How to Make Dado Cabinets

Select a dado blade to match the thickness of the piece being inserted into the cut. For example, if the board being inserted into the dado is 1/2 inch wide, select a 1/2-inch dado blade.

Install the dado blade into the table saw with a wrench.

Measure the thickness of the wood being cut with a tape measure. As a general rule, dado cuts must be limited to half the thickness of the wood. As an example, if the wood being cut is 1/2 inch thick, keep the dado cut to 1/4 inch deep.

Determine the total length of the cabinet shelves. Measure the width between the cabinet walls and add the depth of the two dado cuts to the total. If the inside of the cabinet is 30 inches wide, and you plan to make 1/4-inch-deep dado cuts into the cabinet walls, the total length of the shelf would equal 30 1/2 inches. The formula is 1/4 multiplied by 2 plus 30, equals 30 1/2.

Turn the blade height adjustment handle on the table saw until the top of the dado blade is exposed to the same height as the depth of the cut. To create 1/4-inch-deep dados, adjust the table so the dado blade protrudes 1/4 inch above the table surface.

Measure the distance on the cabinet side wall where you wish to install the shelf. Mark the spot on the outside of the wallboard with a pencil. Adjust the rip fence on the table saw to the same distance.

Wear safety glasses. Holding the board lengthwise against the table saw rip fence, run the wood across the dado blade until the channel is cut cleanly across the entire length of board.

Measure and cut the remaining shelves. Dry fit the cabinet frame together to ensure all pieces fit together properly.

Disassemble the frame and apply wood glue to the dados with a small brush. Reassemble the cabinet and clamp the frame together with bench clamps at each end of the cabinet. Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions.