Red Seal Cabinetmaker Practice Exam

What is a "blind dado" in woodworking?

1. A dado that is decorative

2. A dado cut all the way through

3. A dado that does not go all the way through

4. A dado used for wiring

The correct answer is: A dado that does not go all the way through

A blind dado is a type of groove or channel cut into a piece of wood that does not extend all the way through the material. This means that when viewed from the side, the dado will appear to be open at the top but will be closed off at the bottom, creating a hidden pocket. This technique is often used for joining two pieces of wood together, such as when creating shelves, where the end of the shelf fits snugly into the blind dado on the side of a cabinet or bookcase. The advantage of using a blind dado is that it provides a strong and stable joint while maintaining a clean and finished appearance from the outside. Since the dado is not visible from the front or exterior of the project, it does not detract from the aesthetic quality of the woodwork. This is particularly important in high-quality cabinetry and furniture-making where visual appeal is a priority. In contrast, other types of dados serve different purposes or have different structural characteristics, such as a dado that is cut all the way through, which would be visible and not provide the same hidden joint feature.