Dado set for Delta 36-441

I have a Delta 36-441 Contractor’s Saw. It’s about 15 years old. It’s been a great saw – zero complaints – and it works just fine. The entire saw is as it arrived from the Delta dealer – no upgrades or replacement parts. Now, I’d like to use a dado set with it.

I started my dado research by removing the table insert to examine the arbor. With my normal general purpose blade installed, there is roughly 5/8” (maybe more) of thread from the end of the arbor to the outermost edge of the flange (itself is roughly 1/4”). So there is roughly 7/8” (5/8” + 1/4”) from the end of the arbor to the outermost edge of the blade.

This saw will likely be used to cut dados for shelves and cabinets built from 3/4” Baltic birch plywood and up to 1” thick hardwoods. I’ll also be cutting a bunch of dadoes for cross lap joints in pine, maybe treated lumber. I understand multiple passes will likely be necessary for wide and/or deep dadoes.

1) Can I use a dado set with this saw? Or is this not recommended?
2) Are replacement arbor flanges a good idea? I’ve read a few posts where thinner flanges are used.
3) Given the arbor length and horsepower (1-1/2 hp, 115v), what are reasonable single pass dadoes (width and depth) in baltic birch plywood and oak?

I’ve used dadoes in the past but they’ve always been setup on someone else’s saw and I just make my cuts. That said, any additional guidance is appreciated.