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.
Rebate joints are easy to construct and have good appeal to them. They are simple to use in carpentry based work but can be doubtful when it comes to the strength of the joint. 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", 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".

Methods