How to Cut a Dado When A Router Won't Fit
#1
Member
Thread Starter
How to Cut a Dado When A Router Won't Fit
I'm installing a screen door and the latch rail butts up to a joint just far enough that it won't fit. I need to cut a 1/4" slot to slide the rail into. The problem is, since it's a corner, what can I use to cut it? In the image below, the cut needs to be made right across the 2x4 where it butts up to the house. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
#2
You don't need a 1/4" "dado", you just need a slot or kerf that is as wide as the blade is. You can do that with a skilsaw set to an appropriate depth. Place it on the door jamb and make your cut.
Or use a handsaw, backsaw, dovetail saw, or oscillating saw.
Or use a handsaw, backsaw, dovetail saw, or oscillating saw.
Adriane S
voted this post useful.
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you! I'm new to this so I appreciate the help.
I hate to ask but what is a Skilsaw? I looked it up but I'm just seeing circular saws.
I thought a dado was a crosscut as opposed to a slot that goes with the grain. Am I wrong?
I hate to ask but what is a Skilsaw? I looked it up but I'm just seeing circular saws.
I thought a dado was a crosscut as opposed to a slot that goes with the grain. Am I wrong?
#4
Group Moderator
Skilsaw is a circular saw the same way a reciprocating saw is often called a Sawzall or facial tissue is called Kleenex.
If you search online for "dado" you'll find a lot of images that should help clarify what it is. It generally is a slot with three sides perpendicular/against the grain.
If you search online for "dado" you'll find a lot of images that should help clarify what it is. It generally is a slot with three sides perpendicular/against the grain.
#5
Skilsaw is a well known brand of circular saw, so the two are almost synonymous.
A dado is any wide channel, any direction, in wood. You don't need much more than a saw blade width. A single cut is called a kerf.
A dado is any wide channel, any direction, in wood. You don't need much more than a saw blade width. A single cut is called a kerf.
Adriane S
voted this post useful.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you! I have a circular saw but I don't think it will fit where I need to cut. I'm just going to pick up an oscillating saw and do it that way.
#7
Member
A dado is a channel cut across the grain. A channel cut with the grain is a groove.
In the case of the OP I would use a small hand saw with two cuts spaced 1/4" apart and then cut the dado with a chisel..
In the case of the OP I would use a small hand saw with two cuts spaced 1/4" apart and then cut the dado with a chisel..