How to Make a Dado Cut Using a Router
Video
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 arouterand 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 atablesaw. 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 thefree 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 thegrain. 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 ofjoinery 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 ourQ&A forum.
Related links
Router-Table Tricks For Dadoes and Rabbets
12 Tips for Router Safety
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Videos in the Series
-
Building an Oak Bookcase
August 5, 2019
In this introductory video, you'll get an overview of how to make a solid-wood bookcase.
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Buying Hardwood Lumber
August 5, 2019
In this project video on building a bookcase, learn some insider tips for purchasing lumber for your project.
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How to Rip Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw
August 5, 2019
In this project video on building a bookcase, learn how to rip a piece of wood to width.
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How to Crosscut Lumber Safely on the Tablesaw
August 5, 2019
In this project video on building a bookcase, you'll learn how to cut a board to length across the grain.
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How to Cut Rabbets and Dadoes with a Router
October 16, 2019
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.
-
Hand Sanding and Power Sanding Basics
October 16, 2019
Sanding is one of the most important steps of any woodworking project. In this project video on building a bookcase, learn how to sand flat surfaces, edges, and curves.
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Best Practices for Cutting and Shaping Curves
October 16, 2019
In this project video on building a bookcase, you'll learn how to lay out, cut (with a bandsaw or jigsaw), sand, and smooth curved surfaces.
-
Create Strong and Simple Joinery with Screws and Hardwood Plugs
October 22, 2019
Learn how to drill clearance holes and pilot holes for screws and hide the screws with plugs in this project video on building an oak bookcase.
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Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 1
October 22, 2019
In part 1 of this 2-part video series, learn how to build the base for the bench.
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Build a Simple, Sturdy Workbench, Part 2
October 22, 2019
In part 2 of this 2-part video series, learn how to construct the bench top and attach a traditional woodworking vise.
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10 Ways to Use a Workbench – Start Woodworking S2:Ep10
October 22, 2019
In this episode of Getting Started in Woodworking, we put our new simple, sturdy workbench to work by demonstrating our 10 favorite techniques and accessories for the workbench. These shopmade…
How to Make a Dado Cut Using a Router
Source: https://www.finewoodworking.com/project-guides/beginner-projects/cut-rabbets-dadoes-router-start-woodworking-s2ep2