A rabbet cut removes a portion of a workpiece
edge, so it fits together with an opposing, equally
sized rabbet cut on another workpiece (see
example Figure below). This is a classic method
of joining two workpieces that is simple, yet
strong.
This jointer can be used to make high-quality
rabbet cuts, but there are some situations—
whether it is due to an excessively large/small
workpiece size or rabbet cutting width/depth—
when it will not be safe or appropriate for
making the rabbet cut on this jointer. In these
cases, you need to use another tool or method for
rabbet cutting that will be a safer alternative.
A rabbet cut can alternatively be made using a
table saw, router, or even a hand saw. As with
any type of cutting operation, always consider
your safety first and use good judgement!
Typically, rabbet cutting with a jointer requires
the cutterhead guard to be removed first, so
the workpiece can slide along the rabbeting
ledge during the cut. However, it is possible to
make rabbet cuts with workpieces up to 1" thick
without removing the cutterhead guard. This
is done by performing the rabbet cut with the
workpiece on end (similar to when you are edge
jointing).
When cutterhead guard is removed,
attempting any other cut besides a rabbet
directly exposes operator to moving
cutterhead. To minimize risk of injury and
unnecessary exposure to cutterhead, always
keep cutterhead guard installed when
possible, and ALWAYS immediately replace it
after performing rabbet cuts.
To rabbet cut on jointer:
1.
Inspect stock to ensure it is safe and suitable
for the operation (see Stock Inspection &
Requirements on Page 23).
2.
Set infeed table height to desired cutting
depth for each pass.
CAUTION:
For safety reasons, cutting
depth should never exceed
1
⁄
8
" per pass.
3.
Remove cutterhead guard if necessary to
perform operation (see Figures below).
Figure 23. Generic example photos of rabbet cutting
operations.
Guard Installed
Guard Removed
Removed
Surface
Rabbet Joints
-28-
For Machines Mfd. Since 10/20
South Bend Tools
Model SB1091
O P E R A T I O N
Rabbet Cutting
