Dado settings for plywood

Joe Dusel · Post by **Joe Dusel** » Tue, Jun 09 2009, 5:30PM

What are good values for the Depth and Fit Clearances for blind dadoes when working with plywood? Are they the same for melamine?

Thanks,

Joe

David Egnoski · Post by **David Egnoski** » Tue, Jun 09 2009, 7:08PM

Joe,

I've been using .01 for depth and .015 for fit clearance with all materials and have had good luck.

Joe Dusel · Post by **Joe Dusel** » Wed, Jun 10 2009, 10:53AM

Thanks Dave.

Joe

Leo Graywacz · Post by **Leo Graywacz** » Wed, Jun 10 2009, 12:04PM

Really? You're using almost 1/64" for clearance on the fit? I don't use a CNC but when I do milling in the shop I use all digital measuring and usually like to have about .005-.007 clearance. Just enough for glue and a snug fit while gluing.

Gary Campbell · Post by **Gary Campbell** » Wed, Jun 10 2009, 2:48PM

Joe...
I like to use .010 side clearance with plywood and .005 with solid wood panels we mill ourselves. I use .015 to .020 depth clearance, mostly to allow for thickness differences in plywood. This makes nice fitting dry, and tight glued joints with blind dadoes or mortise and tenon, if you prefer. Cheaper plywood requires more clearance due to more variation.

Thermwood / eCabinet Systems

Dado settings for plywood

Dado settings for plywood

Re: Dado settings for plywood

Re: Dado settings for plywood

Re: Dado settings for plywood

Re: Dado settings for plywood