How to Cut Slots With a Table Saw

There are two types of slots that can be cut in a piece of wood with a table saw. When a slot is cut along the edge of a board, it is called a rabbet. When the same slot is cut anywhere in the middle of the board (away from the edges), it is called a dado. You can cut slots with a table saw if you have a stacked dado blade that will securely fit onto the saw's arbor.

Table saw
Stacked dado blade set
Zero-clearance insert for dado blade
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect the table saw from the electrical outlet.
- 2
  Remove the saw blade insert, and loosen the saw's arbor nut. Remove the saw blade from the arbor, and install a stacked dado blade set to the desired width of cut. Tighten the arbor nut to secure the dado blade.
- 3
  Lower the dado blade beneath the table top. Insert a zero-clearance insert into the table saw's throat opening above the saw blade. Plug in the table saw, turn on the motor and raise the saw blade until the dado blade has cut through the zero-clearance insert.
- 4
  Turn off the saw motor, and place the board to receive the slot face down on the table. Adjust the position of the fence so that the slot is aligned with the blade and the edge of the board is flat against the edge of the fence.
- 5
  Adjust the height of the saw blade until the amount of dado blade exposed above the table top matches the desired depth of the slot, as measured with a tape measure.
- 6
  Turn on the saw motor. Hold the board flat on the table top with the edge against the fence, and ease the board forward across the blade until the board clears the saw blade. Turn off the saw motor, and lift the board off the table. Inspect the newly cut slot in the board to be sure that it is of the correct width and depth.

How to Restore a Rusted Table Saw

How to Cut a Countertop With a Circular Saw

Carpentry