Perfect Fit Every Time Dado Jig – Essential Tool For Woodwork – Easy to Make

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CMT Thin Kerf Table and Miter Saw Blades:

CMT Complete Kerf Table and Miter Saw Blades:

CMT 1/2" Shank Router Bits utilized in this video:

CMT 1/4" Shank Router Bits utilized in this video:

CMT Indication Bits used in this video:
For an Additional 10% off use promotion code: CMT10

Cut dadoes the fast simple method and get a best fit each time. Finest if this jig is made this size for narrow stock, but also longer for larger panels. Like I said in the video, a longer one would need the locking clamp on both ends to keep it from opening. I'll be making the longer variation in an upcoming video.

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Perfect Fit Every Time Dado Jig – Essential Tool For Woodwork – Easy to Make

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28 Comments

  1. Cut dadoes the fast easy way and get a perfect fit every time. Best if this jig is made this size for narrow stock, but also longer for wider panels. Like I said in the video, a longer one would need the locking clamp on both ends to keep it from opening up. I’ll be making the longer version in an upcoming video.

    1. Your link for the saw blades don’t even ship here in Canada in the very country you live in. So much for that purchase. 😭🤬

  2. Ingenious… as always. I will make this today from scraps that I meant to throw out yesterday. Oh… and +1 on the CMT blades… LOVE them.

    1. You throw away your scraps? 😉. I keep all my offcuts. They eventually come in handy

  3. That was very easy to make John. I find it amazing how when we really stop and think about what we need to do a job that the solution is often very simple and easy to implement. Thanks!

  4. This jig gave me a “well duh” moment. It’s so simple. I love how you can reuse it.

  5. Good stuff. I’m usually on site with a jobsite saw so never bothered with a dado set. I just use a 3/4″ router bit for built in shelf dados. Always so satisfying how perfectly a piece of 3/4 snugs into the slot.

    1. Unfortunately lots of 3/4″ plywood is a lot thinner than 3/4″. Which if you want a sliding fit is convenient. But less-so if you want a tight joint. While you can buy plywood specific router dado bits, still it’s hit or miss.

      I use a top bearing router bit and a similar jig to this or just two plywood off cuts depending. Always a perfect dado, custom fit to the plywood you are using.

  6. i’ve been thinking about the design for a dado jig for far to long and this simple and elegant tool looks just like the way forward.
    truly, the Cockford-Ollie 🙂

  7. “it’s a little less convenient to cut a 3/4″ dado with a 1/4” bit”… Yeah, it takes about 10 extra seconds! :D:D:D:D. I’d say it’s worth the effort John! Great jig.

    1. Yep, running a 3/4 bit in my full size router is 10x more hassle then just using a trim router. Also your not doing a full 180° engagement cut and can get a clean cut on both edges.

  8. Nice jig! I built something very similar but I use a top bearing router bit. Adjusting the dado directly to the plywood you are using is 100% the best way to do them.

    1. I prefer this method as well. Then you can use any top bearing bit (as long as it’s smaller than the slot) and any router.

  9. I don’t think there is a woodworking task that John doesn’t have a simple and brilliant jig or solution for! Great jig 👌👍

  10. The quality on this video is outstanding. I noticed how you took a less explanatory approach which made the video shorter, and you introduced a product, with the makers’ mob plug twice split up to not make it too long. Really top quality. Oh, and your new rekindled focus on acoustics is paying off, too, lol, the new music is fancy. Like I said top quality. Great job, as always!

  11. Brilliant ! and so simple, same principle as a crosscut or ripping guide for a circular saw

  12. The simplicity of some of your designs, with its functionality is just making me think “oh wow! How couldn’t I think of that!”
    You’re the MAN!

  13. Great idea John. I don’t make a ton of dados but as easy as this jig is to make it pays for itself after one use. (using scraps and its paid off before the first use)

  14. Brilliant! So simple yet versatile. Would be very handy to have different sizes for different bits. It looks like if you take the second slide off it would be a good edge guide for a rabbet also. I appreciate the way your mind works John!

  15. John this jig is perfect! I’m about to start a custom armoire for my newly remodeled bedroom. The upper most center drawer is 1/2”plywood with 1/4” dividers for ties & tie clips. The carcass and inside lower 3 drawers are 3/4” Baltic birch. I’ll be making all 3 jig sizes. These jigs will ensure tight accurate dados providing the strongest drawers, dividers, and shelves.

  16. Great setup, John~! This is the newest item on my “To Build” list. Thanks~!

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