Cutting Advice Please

[phil p]

Hi,

I have a room to put some dado up and was wondering how best to cut the mitres to avoid splintering and achieving a nice clean cut and no tear out.

I have a sliding mitre saw and a reasonably fine blade.

Would it be best to lie the dado flat on the bed of the saw or stand it upright against the fence?

Chop it straight down or slide and saw it gently over the profile?

Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks
Phil

 

[Steve Maskery]

Either will give you a good cut because in both cases the blade exits on the back of the workpiece. Personally I find the saw easier to operate in the upright position, and, as dado moulding is not very big, I'd hold it upright, but if you prefer to lay it flat, go ahead. I find it more prone to moving, that way, though, and more difficult to get the cut in exactly the right place. But both will give you a clean cut.

 

[phil p]

Thanks for the info Steve, appreciated.

 

[MattRoberts]

If you find you're getting tear out, simply use some sacrificial wood behind / underneath to create zero clearance

 

[Bm101]

Or a Chisel. I have a few for sale if you need them.