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Question: What does it mean for the blade to be offset from the fence? Answer: Offset means that the fence is not on top of the blade like it would be with a stacked dado and one pass. The offset equals the depth of the rabbet minus the thickness of the blade. The blade height sets the thickness of the tongue left behind. When cutting panels, you have to keep the board pressed against the fence. Or, if it's the side of a long board, I use a featherboard to keep it snug. If its the end of a board, I use the miter gauge and hold it firm, starting the cut snug to the fence. See the attached drawing I made for you. Which shows the two-pass method I use to cut rabbets. I prefer doing this whenever possible rather than use a dado blade stack. No special blade is required, ATB - Alternate Tooth Bevel, works the easiest but I have used FTG (flat top ground) as well. Remember, your TS blade will outlast these router rabbetting bits 100 to 1. Note also that you can save the thin strip you leave behind after cutting the second pass. Router users generally have to make at least three passes cutting rabbets in 3/4" stock and save nothing but sawdust. Please see my post on Joe Lyddon's website for the featherboard ripping jig. I also use it when cutting rabbets, grooves, tongues, etc. because it keeps the stock snug to the fence, especially nice on the second pass. Best, Edwin Feedback: 1. "Edwin, you really helped me a lot. It was just rookie misunderstanding, but you set me straight. I will follow your advice and get on Joe Lyddon's website for the featherboard ripping jig information. Again, many thanks (It always amazes me how generous WW's are to newbies like myself)." 2. "Edwin, I will try not to bother you (for awhile anyway), but that Joe Lyddon site is just wonderful. I am so glad you told me about it! By the way, I am a retired EE and starting to really enjoy it. Carl (in Athens TN)" |
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