How to Cut Dados on a Longboard

Using a pencil and straightedge, mark the location of the dado on the board. If you are cutting a 1-inch dado in the center of a board, for example, measure to the center of the board and make a mark. Then, make marks 1/2-inch on either side of the center mark. Do this at both ends of the board, then connect the lines with the straightedge and make a pencil mark along the straightedge.

Unplug the table saw and replace the regular blade with dado blades. The number of blades you use will depend on the width of the dado you are cutting.

Remove the guard from the table saw. Since you are not cutting completely through the board, the guard must be removed. Otherwise it would block the board as you move it through the blade. On many models of table saw, the guard is held in place by a wing nut on the back of the saw.

Measure from one of the lines you drew on the board to the edge of the board. Set the rip fence of the table saw at this measurement. For example, if the distance from the mark to the edge of the board is 3 inches, set the rip fence at 3 inches.

Adjust the height of the saw blade to the depth you want the dado. Use a tape measure or ruler to determine the height of the blade above the table. Make certain that the height of the blade is less than the thickness of the board; otherwise, the blade will cut through the board.

Lay the board on the saw table against the rip fence.

Put on safetly glasses. Plug the saw in and turn it on. Push the board across the table, holding it firmly against the rip fence as you push, until the cut is complete.