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Choosing between a full dado stack and a router jig for cabinet shelves
I had to build a set of kitchen cabinets last month and hit a snag on the shelf pins. The job called for a ton of adjustable shelves, so I needed to cut a lot of matching rows of holes. My choice was between buying a full dado stack with a 5mm bit for my table saw, or building a simple router jig with a template guide. The dado stack was about $80 and promised speed, but the jig would cost maybe $15 in scrap plywood and a guide bushing. I went with the router jig because I was worried about tear-out on some figured maple. It took an extra hour to build the jig, but the holes came out super clean with no blowout on the back. I could also easily space the rows exactly 32mm apart by just moving the fence. Has anyone else gone the router route for shelf pin holes, or do you all swear by the table saw method?
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green.victor16d ago
Actually, a dado stack can't cut holes, only grooves.
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