A Simple Router Jig for Making Dados / Easy Dado Joints

Learn how to make a simple router jig for cutting dado joints.
Dado Jigs are handy items for making shelving units and for cutting the slots that shelves fit into making them sturdy and professional looking. This jig uses a Top Mounted Bearing Router Bit, sometimes called a Template Bit, and makes excellent adjustable dado widths.

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Sharpening Jig for Chisels & Plane:
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[rrp]

Thanks for the tip on this. Built the jig yesterday and this morning (early - sorry, neighbours) I'm routing perfect Dados.

[lisalaughter]

You should be called the Kindness Woodworking Web...so grateful for you!! Thx, Lisa

[jaybraun]

Built this jig "exactly" as described in the video, EXCEPT, I didn't have 3/4" plywood, so I used 5/8". I also purchased the Diablo template router bit, but didn't realize that the cutting area was so large. I'm using it on my Ryobi trim router, and I discovered that, with 5/8" plywood, the bearing would not ride on the edge of the jig; it was still up within the router guide. I put 1/4" plywood under each of the jig sections, which brought the height to about 1". Extending the router bit all the way out, I was able to make a dado in my shelf unit that was half the thickness of the 5/8" plywood being used. An excellent, simple jig for dadoes for one who does not make many dadoes. Maybe I'll be able to make more now that I have the jig.

[grizwoldstad]

Wish I had had you for shop a century ago you don't miss a step and you don't talk down assuming everyone knows what you do. Thanks a bunch.

[peterdejoseph]

Lol one day I'll watch a video that will help me. I'm an old timer like yourself lol less gray hair. We find solutions. Keep up the good videos.

[G.I.JeffsWorkbench]

Simple, effective and accurate. Thanks for sharing.

[stefanmikenorway]

Your simple and quickly built jig is perfect for those of us who only occasionally cut dados and who just want to get on with our projects without having to waste a lot of time making something fancy that will seldom be used.

[mgreene]

This is much easier/better than any other dado jig I’ve seen!

[cliffcarlo]

As you often demonstrate Colin, the simple ideas are often the best.

[thomastucker]

This was a great lesson all the way around. Thank you so much!

[IsaKocoglu]

Whilst the whole thing could have been refined, you kindly show us another way to accomplish this task.

I plan on building my shelves with this method. Thank you Colin, keep pumping out your videos Buddy!

[ricknelson]

Used the process you demonstrated to cut some dados for a book shelf I’m building and it worked beautifully! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[briant]

i wish i was smart and could come up with simple things like this. Great idea

[rmhutchins]

I woke up this morning; and, as I was preparing for my day, I thought: "What can I do today?"
Then, I thought: "I know; I can watch Colin Knecht on YouTube!"
That's, literally, what I thought -- obviously, I enjoy watching Colin Knecht on YouTube!
This is the first of his videos which showed up this morning; I have watched many of them several times -- they are, always, informational and entertaining.

[learemington]

I love watching your videos. I learn something every time. I have always run my dadoes all the way out for shelves and used iron on edge trim to cover seams. Never again. Thanks soooo much.

[GaryLane]

I am 60 years old and have been working with wood just about my whole life and I have always run my day to all the way to the end. This looks so much better! Thank you so much!

[castillosammy]

I watch most of your videos, my friend & have learned a lot from you. I appreciate you. you sound like a nice guy & explain it all very clearly. muchas gracias amigo!

[Thom]

Such a simple but perfect jig, and the trick with the shim and shelves to cut a perfect fit Thank You as always.

[sajidrafique]

what a simple idea. I liked the shims you used to saw of f the board

[BigTone]

Great jig and as a newcomer to woodworking I found the top for trimming the shelf very helpful, I would never have thought of it and tried to butcher the dado. Thanks so much for your very helpful and educational videos!