Wood Joints - Basic Dado Joint

One of the most common uses for a basic dado joint is in bookcase plans and shelves. This is particularly true for permanent shelving (not adjustable), where the bookcase design calls for a more refined and finished look. I might argue that people rarely adjust their adjustable shelves anyway, so there's really no reason not to build permanent shelves with the nicer-looking dado joints.

Dados are fairly easy to cut, as long as you have the right tools and the proper tool set up. The easiest way to cut dados is with hand-held router, a straight bit, and a simple alignment jig to guide your router along the cut. By far, this technique will give you the cleanest and most accurate dados.