Popular Tools' 8-inch negative-hook dado set — built for radial arm saws, sliding compound miter saws, and melamine cutting on 5/8" arbor machines. The 2° negative hook angle resists self-feeding on overhead pulldown machines and reduces tear-out on the bottom surface of laminate, melamine, and double-sided veneers.
What's included
- 2 × 8" outside blades — 40 teeth each, matched right-hand and left-hand pair, 2° negative hook
- Multiple 8-tooth full-body chippers in 1/8" and 1/16" kerfs for a total stack width up to 13/16"
- Shim set
- Wooden storage case
Why Popular Tools chippers
Popular Tools chippers feature laser-cut bodies that remove nearly half the steel from the chipper plate. Reduced rotational mass means faster spin-up, less vibration on the arbor, easier startup, and quieter operation under load — without compromising carbide tip strength or chipper structural integrity. It's a small detail you'll feel every time the saw comes up to speed.
Specifications
- Diameter: 8"
- Outside teeth: 40
- Chipper teeth: 8 per chipper
- Hook angle: 2° negative
- Bore: 5/8"
- Maximum stack width: 13/16"
- SKU: DA840N
Best for
- Radial arm saws — the negative hook prevents the blade from self-feeding into the workpiece on the pull cut
- Sliding compound miter saws running dado configurations — same self-feed resistance
- Melamine and laminate cutting — reduces chipout on the bottom-side coating
- Double-sided veneered panels where bottom tear-out is unacceptable
Not recommended for primary use on a standard table saw — the negative hook reduces feed rate and chip clearance on table-saw applications. For table saws, see the positive-hook DA840.
Other configurations
- Positive-hook version for table saws: DA840 (5/8" bore)
- 10" negative-hook version: DA1040N (1" bore)
Custom bore, pinhole, or keyway? Modified in-house.
Popular Tools operates a full machine shop with wire EDM, precision lathes, and mills. They can bore the center hole to a custom arbor size, add pinhole drive patterns, cut keyways, or split blades for specialized mounting.
- Ships in 1-3 business days from the Popular Tools machine shop
- Rush option: $30 per blade for priority handling
- Tight tolerances and minimal runout
Learn more → or call (855) 628-7297 for a quote.
Compatibility
- Radial arm saws, sliding compound miter saws, or table saws with 5/8" arbor and dado capability
- 5/8" arbor
- ⚠ NOT compatible with SawStop table saws.
Setup & safety
- Outside saws always mount on the outside of the stack, chippers between them
- Never run chippers without both outside saws installed
- Confirm rotation direction on every piece before tightening
- On radial arm saws, always pull the saw through the workpiece — never push
- Make a test cut in scrap to verify width before cutting workpieces
- Follow OSHA guidelines, wear eye protection, keep hands clear of rotating tools
Frequently asked questions
What does "negative hook" mean and why does it matter?
The hook angle is the lean of the teeth relative to the blade center. Positive hook teeth lean forward (aggressive feed). Negative hook teeth lean backward (resistive feed). Negative hook is essential on radial arm and overhead machines because positive-hook blades will grab the workpiece and lurch forward — a serious kickback hazard. Negative hook also reduces top-surface tear-out on melamine and laminate.
Can I use this on my table saw?
You can, but you'll lose feed rate and the cut won't be as efficient as a positive-hook set. If you have a radial arm or SCMS where you'll use the dado, this is the right pick. If table saw is the primary use, get the DA840 instead.
Will this work with my SawStop?
No. This dado set is not compatible with SawStop table saws.
What's the widest cut?
13/16" with the full chipper stack.
Can the blades be re-sharpened?
Yes. Standard carbide-tip sharpening at any local service.
