Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
There’s an open secret that experienced builders know with plywood. If you're new to adding dados to plywood, this tip is for you.
That glossy 3/4” label on plywood at the store? What you’re really getting is 23/32”, which might not sound like a big deal—until your joints are too loose and your dados don’t fit the way they should.
You might assume this is like how a 2x4 isn’t actually 2 inches by 4 inches because it shrinks when it dries. But plywood doesn’t shrink. Years ago, if you bought 3/4” or 1/2” plywood, you got closer to the actual thickness. But over time, manufacturers started shaving off material to save money.
So what this means is that if you cut a 3/4” dado for plywood it’s going to be too big and you'll have a loose, weak joint. To get the right fit, you can:
1. Sneak up on the correct size by making multiple passes with a smaller bit.
2. Buy a 23/32” router bit, which is specifically sized for modern plywood.
3. Or shim the mistake if the fit isn't critical.
The bottom line? Always measure your plywood before cutting dados, because the label isn’t telling the full story. Knowing this is a future headache saver.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
There’s an open secret that experienced builders know with plywood. If you're new to adding dados to plywood, this tip is for you.
That glossy 3/4” label on plywood at the store? What you’re really getting is 23/32”, which might not sound like a big deal—until your joints are too loose and your dados don’t fit the way they should.
You might assume this is like how a 2x4 isn’t actually 2 inches by 4 inches because it shrinks when it dries. But plywood doesn’t shrink. Years ago, if you bought 3/4” or 1/2” plywood, you got closer to the actual thickness. But over time, manufacturers started shaving off material to save money.
So what this means is that if you cut a 3/4” dado for plywood it’s going to be too big and you'll have a loose, weak joint. To get the right fit, you can:
1. Sneak up on the correct size by making multiple passes with a smaller bit.
2. Buy a 23/32” router bit, which is specifically sized for modern plywood.
3. Or shim the mistake if the fit isn't critical.
The bottom line? Always measure your plywood before cutting dados, because the label isn’t telling the full story. Knowing this is a future headache saver.
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Les N.
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
Make Things
#MakeThings #mtbitesize
