Rebate Joint

Rebate Joint

The rebate joint also call the rabbet.

The word rabbet is from Old French rabbat, "a recess into a wall", and rabattre "to beat down". According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "In North America the more usual form is rabbet". The form "rebate" is often pronounced the same way as "rabbet".

                                                

A rabbet or rebate is a recess or groove cut into the edge of a piece of machinable material, usually wood. When viewed in cross-section, a rabbet is two-sided and open to the edge or end of the surface into which it is cut.

An example of the use of a rabbet is in a glazing bar where it makes provision for the insertion of the pane of glass and putty. It may also accommodate the edge of the back panel of a cabinet. It is also used in door and casement window jambs, and for shiplap planking. A rabbet can be used to form a joint with another piece of wood (often containing a dado).

How to Make Rebate Joints

Step1: The first thing you do when making a rebate joint is measure and cut two pieces of timber to the size or sizes you need.

Step2: Make sure the ends of your timber are flush then get the piece you want your rebate in and mark out the width of the joint the same as the thickness of your second piece of timber. Now mark another line on your first piece of timber about half its depth and mark around each side of the timber.

Step3: You should now have connecting lines so make sure they are accurate before cutting. Use either a tenon saw or a band saw and cut along the lines to make your rebate.

Step4: You can use a chisel to clean out your rebate if the timber you insert does not sit flat in the joint.

Step5: If your joint is flush and square secure it together with adhesive. Nails or screws can be added to increase strength or dowel can also be used but the holes must be accurately drilled before you start step 5.