How to Cut Rabbets and Dadoes with a Router
Learn how to use a router and a simple jig to cut accurate rabbets and dadoes in this project video on building an oak bookcase.
In this episode of Getting Started in Woodworking, the forth in our series on building an oak bookcase, we demonstrate how to cut accurate dadoes and rabbets with a router and a simple jig.
If you don’t already own a router, now is the time to buy one. These versatile power tools are capable of a wide variety of tasks, and can often accomplish tasks in place of a tablesaw. They are ideal for cutting dadoes and rabbets, particularly when paired with the simple t-square jig detailed in this episode.
To determine the locations and dimensions of each of the dadoes and rabbets on the bookcase, use the free woodworking plan available for this project.
Dadoes and Rabbets Defined
Dadoes are square notches cut into the surface of a piece of lumber that hold the end of a mating board. Dadoes generally run across the grain. When cut with the grain, they’re referred to as grooves. Dadoes are a perfect when building shelving or cabinetry as a way to join shelves and partitions. For our bookcase project, we reinforced our dadoes with screws, although that added strength isn’t essential to the joint.
Rabbets are similar to dodoes and groves in that they can go in the direction of the grain or across it. However, Rabbets are notches cut into the edge of a board. We’re using a rabbet to attach the back panel to the bookcase, but they also have a variety of joinery applications.
A T-Square Jig and Other Accessories
We built a simple but foolproof T-Square jig to assist in cutting the dadoes. This type of jig is designed to cut exactly 90 degrees to one edge, which is perfect for our shelf dadoes. You will also need a straight router bit. Ours is 3/4-in. diameter because our lumber measures that same thickness. If you are using plywood or thinner stock, you’ll need a different bit. Most 3/4 in. thick plywood is actually thinner than that and requires a special plywood bit.
If you have a question about this episode send us an email or post a question in our Q&A forum.
Related links
Router-Table Tricks For Dadoes and Rabbets
12 Tips for Router Safety
Videos in the Series
-
Building an Oak Bookcase
August 5, 2019
-
Buying Hardwood Lumber
August 5, 2019
-
How to Rip Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw
August 5, 2019
-
How to Crosscut Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw
August 5, 2019
-
How to Cut Rabbets and Dadoes with a Router
October 16, 2019
-
Hand Sanding and Power Sanding Basics
October 16, 2019
-
Best Practices for Cutting and Shaping Curves
October 16, 2019
-
Create Strong and Simple Joinery with Screws and Hardwood Plugs
October 22, 2019
-
Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 1
October 22, 2019
-
Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 2
October 22, 2019
-
10 Ways to Use a Workbench – Start Woodworking S2:Ep10
October 22, 2019
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in