On Sat, 01 Jan 2005 06:59:24 -0600, Unisaw A100
wrote:

While the depth and groove bottom is something of some
significance what did the face of the pieces cut look like
'tween the two?

This is what I always wonder when I read about dado cut quality!

I can care less if there's a score or two in the bottom, I really care
about the parts that show. In my experience, the really good dados
don't chip out the sides of cut, even on woods prone to chipping.

My Freud 208 chipped edges when new and after resharpening by a top
notch sharpening shop. The Dado King and the Ridge I've used left a
much cleaner edge. My understanding is that this is due to the
combination of the sharp, pointed edges on the outsides of the outside
plate's teeth, and the tooth angle when addressing the stock.

If I need a perfectly flat bottom in solid stock, because the dado end
will show, a swipe or two of a shoulder plane will make it so, or I'll
rout it. I've never had a reason for the end of a plywood dado to
show, as it'll be edge banded or covered with another board, so I
don't worry about it. I also don't see a problem if a tenon has a few
scores in it, as long as the shoulder edge is crisp and clean.

Barry