Using a Jointer (continued)
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Edge Rabbeting

Figure 6-23. The width of the edge rabbet will be the distance from the outer corner of the knives to the fence.

Edge rabbeting is the process of removing part of the thickness of the stock along an edge to produce a lip or tongue. It's a fast and accurate way of making strong, interlocking corner joints or for recessing a panel into a frame.

To set up to cut an edge rabbet, first unplug the machine. Check that the knives are evenly adjusted from side-to-side and that they extend 1/32" beyond the left side of the outfeed table. Warning: If the knives aren't properly positioned, the stock may not clear the side of the outfeed table when the cut is made. Pull the fence lock handle out, unlock the fence, and move it toward the left side of the table (away from the drive shaft). The width of the rabbet will be the distance from the outer corner of the knives to the fence (Figure 6-23). When you're satisfied that the setup is correct, lock the fence in place.

Figure 6-24. Use the fence extension to provide support when cutting an end rabbet.

Your jointer will cut rabbets up to 3/8" deep, but never try to remove more than 1/8" of stock in a single pass. For deeper cuts, begin with the depth of cut set at 1/8"; then increase it after each pass. If you're making several rabbets to match, machine all pieces at each setting before changing the depth of cut.

When cutting end rabbets (Figure 6-24), there is a tendency for wood to split out or splinter at the end of the cut. As with end grain jointing, splintering can be reduced by taking very light cuts and by feeding the stock more slowly. You can also use a utility knife or chisel to score the wood fibers before rabbeting.

Figure 6-25. When you need rabbets, tongues, or tenons on narrow pieces, do the work on pieces of stock wide enough to be safely handled and then rip them on the table saw.

Follow the pattern illustrated in Figure 6-25 when you need rabbets, tongues, or tenons on narrow stock. After using the jointer, use the table saw to rip the material into correct widths. Warning: Never try to rabbet stock which will have less than 10" of support against the tables and fence or a piece so narrow that your hands will cross into the danger zone.

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