I would check on there return policy and if they let you return if you don't like it, then give it a try.
For about twice that you can get a complete stacked dado set that you can use for a lot more things including finger joints.

 

Jim thanks for the fast reply. I am also looking at a stacked dado set. I'm weighing the pros and cons. My stacked set works for some joints but not for decorative joints with out sanding and that's time consuming. Can you recommend a stacked set?

 

Hey RC
Your welcome. As far as a stacked dado set I have had a freud set for a number of years I've been happy with. There are guys like Knottscott that are really into saw blade reviews that have used many that are available ,that I would check out some of Scotts recommendations . Here's a recent thread on the subject.

http://lumberjocks.com/topics/11053#reply-113493

 

I have the Freud S508 dado set, it cuts very clean finger joints. It's a bit on the pricey side at $200. Refer to the link Jim posted above for more info on that and the cheaper 208 set.

I would recommend getting a stacked dado set like Jim says…you'll use it for a lot more than finger joints. Oshlun also sells a stacked set for a little bit more than the finger joint set that seems to be getting good reviews: http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=17335

 

i just saw the listing for like $40 i figure if it makes flat bottom cuts its a keeper i have the freud one like it also their dado blade and they give me flat bottom cuts but i bought a cheap delta one and this gives weard allmost like a 'M' shape cut so it just sits on the shelf watches me use all the other blades i have through the pkg.

 

Don't go the easy way. Make boxes the right way, with a good old coping saw.

 

I actually just got that set a couple days ago and loaded it up. The first cuts were clean with a really nice flat bottom. If they continue to perform like this, this will be the best $50 I've spent. The only issue I have with them is that because of the way the blades are set, the center of the 3/8 cut is a bit to the right of my dado blades. That means I'll need to build another box joint jig for my table saw. Still, so far things look good.

 

For the price you are talking about you could build a good router table ( if you have the router). Very simple designs all over this site. Here is mine. Made a box joint jig to go with it also. Works great. Used a scrap piece of Corian for the top and ply legs. Total cost $2.00 screws.

Just a thought.

Scrappy

 

Thanks for all the input you folks provided, it was very helpful. After visiting many websites and the rockler store, I wound up buying the Freud box joint set. I would have liked to have gone with the Freud stacked dado set for all the reasons you guys stated but at this time I couldn't afford the price and rockler gave me a good deal on the Box joint set. Now I'm just troubleshooting my jig and getting it tuned. The test cuts I made are great. They are square and flat. Just a matter of getting the pin spacing correct. Thanks again guys!

 

I think that if you read the Rockler reviews , all 5 stars, you will see that other customers like it. As far as returns Rockler has super customer service IMHO.

 

I go with Jim's recommendation on the Freud blades … they cost a bit more, but I have found the quality to be top drawer. I actually have both a dado set and a box-joint cutter set from Freud.

 

What ever you buy make sure it has flat top carbide teeth.