"Shecky" wrote in message
...
Happy Holidays

I could use the group's help. I've been experimenting with finger (box)
joints using my tablesaw and Freud stacked dado blades.
I've been using a 1/4" stack to dado 1/4" wide, 3/8" high finger joints
through 1/4" plywood. Every cut burns the wood and lets
off some pretty serious smoke and stink. I've tried slow feed and
moderate feed to control the quality of the dado cut and not
overwhelm the motor. Tips of the dado blades getting a rusty color to them
as well. Its not rust as I baby them and keep them
safely stored when not in use.

Is plywood susceptible to burning? Am I killing my saw and blades? Any
advice to cut these joints correctly is greatly appreciated

Here are my tool specs:
TS Craftsman 10" (model 315-228390)
1-1/2 HP induction motor developing (?) up to 3HP
3600 RPM
13 amp

Freud 8" , 12 teeth, stacked dado blade (SD 208)

Might be side loading a bit. Not unknown for a miter gage to creep or a
pair of hands to allow the board to creep. How's the fit, otherwise?

I use the router and a spiral bit. Tablesaw jigs always seemed too fussy.
http://www.routerworkshop.com/boxjoints.html Easily made jig. Recommend
old laminate flooring for the base, UHMW plastic for the fence(s).