Rabbet Cutting
The purpose of rabbet cutting is to remove a section of the workpiece edge (see Figures 28
&29). When combined with another rabbet cut edge, the rabbet joints create a simple, yet strong method of joining stock.
NOTICE
If you are not experienced with a jointer, set the depth of cut to 0", and practice feeding the workpiece across the tables as described below. This procedure will better prepare you for the actual operation.
Figure 28. Typical rabbet cutting operation.
Rabbet Cut
Rabbet Joints
Figure 29. Illustration of rabbet cutting effects
and a few sample joints.
To rabbet cut on the jointer:
1.Read and understand SECTION 1: SAFETY, beginning on Page 7.
2.Inspect your stock for the dangerous con- ditions described in the Stock Inspection instructions, beginning on Page 21.
3.Set the cutting depth for your operation. Note: We suggest between 1⁄16" and 1⁄8" for rabbet cutting, using a more shallow depth for hard wood species or for wide stock.
4.Loosen the set screws shown in Figure 10, Page 17, and remove the cutterhead guard.
5.Move your fence forward so the amount of infeed/outfeed table exposed is the same as the size of your rabbet. Also, make sure your fence is set to 90˚ and place the workpiece on the jointer.
6.Start the jointer.
7.With a push block in each hand, press the workpiece against the table and fence with firm pressure (Figure 28), and feed the workpiece over the cutterhead. Note: If your leading hand gets within 4" of the cutterhead, lift it up and over the cutterhead, and place the push block on the portion of the workpiece that is on the outfeed table. Now, focus your pressure on the outfeed end of the workpiece while feeding, and repeat the same action with your trailing hand when it gets within 4" of the cutterhead. To keep your hands safe, DO NOT let them get closer than 4" from the cutterhead when it is mov- ing!
8.Repeat Step 7 until the your rabbet is cut to depth.
9.Replace the cutterhead guard, wind the col- lar (See Page 17), and tighten the screws.
When the cutterhead guard is removed, attempting any other cut besides a rabbet directly exposes the operator to the moving cutterhead. Always replace the cutterhead guard after rabbet cutting!
