What is rabetting?

Rabetting is a woodworking term that refers to the process of cutting a groove or recess in the edge of a piece of wood, typically along the length of the board. This groove can then be used to receive another piece of wood, allowing the two pieces to be joined together in a strong and secure manner.

Rabetting can be done using a variety of tools, including a table saw, a router, or a specialized rabbeting plane. It is commonly used in woodworking projects where large boards need to be joined together, such as in cabinetry or furniture making.

In addition to its functional uses, rabetting can also be used to create decorative effects on the edge of a piece of wood. For example, a decorative rabbet can be created by cutting a shallow groove along the edge of a board and then chamfering the edge of the groove to create a decorative bevel.