Rabbeting or bevelling with a jointer?

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heathicus
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Rabbeting or bevelling with a jointer?

Post by heathicus »

I've read about how to bevel and edge or cut a rabbet using a jointer. But my question is, why would you do that unless you had to? If you have another method to perform those cuts, why would you use a jointer?
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JPG
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Post by JPG »

heathicus wrote:I've read about how to bevel and edge or cut a rabbet using a jointer. But my question is, why would you do that unless you had to? If you have another method to perform those cuts, why would you use a jointer?
A router probably works better. The jointer has the advantage of the table length to keep things straight. The jointer finish is better than a sawn finish.
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paul heller
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Post by paul heller »

One reason would be to create a beveled rabbit?

Paul
charlese
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Post by charlese »

heathicus wrote:... But my question is, why would you do that unless you had to? If you have another method to perform those cuts, why would you use a jointer?

It really is a matter of personal choice. The jointer offers an additional method that sometimes (only sometimes) works out better than a saw or router.

On the jointer, I've made some pretty cool tongues for tongue and groove joints. At the time, it just seemed to be the easiest way to do the job! I had just done the grooves (mortises) with the router and for some reason didn't want to re-set it. For me, the jointer was easier and very exacting.
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jimthej
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Jointer for rabbets and bevels

Post by jimthej »

I have tried both.
Bevels: works, good smooth cut, has power to make a serious bevel 1/2 inch in softwood at one pass. Went through knots like they weren't there. Except for a couple of loose ones, they were just as smooth as the rest. No real problems with odd grain. Felt awkward and I worried about dropping a finger or push stick onto the whirly part. Probably won't do it again.:(
Rabbets: ran about 200 linear feet of 1 x 2 to make cheap picture frame 1/4" x 1/4" rabbet. Really fast, good smooth cut. I had cross cut it into 3 foot lengths, so it wasn't too bad balancing it on the ledge. :) Tried a couple of pieces on the router table and my Makita 2.5 hp router didn't do it nearly as quickly nor as smoothly. Would be OK with 2 passes, but twice the time.
Jim in Bakersfield:D
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