View source for Rabbet

{{Short description|Cut recess or groove, often in wood}}
{{distinguish|Rabbit}} 
{{refimprove|date=June 2018}}

[[File:Woodworking-joint-rebate.gif|thumb|300px|right|A rabbet]]

A '''rabbet''' (American English) or '''rebate''' (British English) 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]] [[jamb]]s, and for [[shiplap]] planking. In a [[picture frame]] the rabbet may hide uneven or poor edges of a painting and its support, while for graphic art and photographs protective glazing is used. A rabbet can be used to form a joint with another piece of wood (often containing a [[dado (joinery)|dado]]).

Rabbet joints are easy to construct, but are not as strong as some other joints. Nails and screws can be added to help increase the overall strength.

== Etymology ==

The word ''rabbet'' is from [[Old French]] ''rabbat'', "a recess into a wall",<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Harper |first=Douglas |editor-link= |encyclopedia=Online Etymology Dictionary |title=rabbet, ''n'' |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=rabbet |access-date=1 July 2018 }}</ref> and ''rabattre'' "to beat down".<ref>{{cite OED|rabbet}}</ref> According to the Oxford English Dictionary, "In North America the more usual form is ''rabbet''".<ref name="OED rebate n2"/> The form "rebate" is often pronounced the same way as "rabbet".<ref name="OED rebate n2">{{cite OED|rebate, n.2|id=159164}}</ref>

== Methods ==

* A rabbet router using a straight or rebate bit
* Rabbetting or [[rebate plane]] or a [[shoulder plane]]
* [[Circular saw]] with multiple passes (depending on width and depth)
* [[Dado set]] in a single pass 
* [[Spindle moulder]]
* [[Hand saw]] and [[chisel]]
* [[Jointer]] equipped with a rabbet ledge

== See also ==

* [[Bevel]]
* [[Chamfer]]
* [[Dado (joinery)|Dado]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Rabbet|short=x}}

{{Woodworking}}

[[Category:Joinery]]
[[Category:Woodworking]]

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