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Are you workin’ on projects that call for cuttin’ grooves, rebates, or rabbets?
Then it’s time to consider addin’ a Rabbet Plane to your collection.
This specialized tool is built just for those tricky little cuts along the edge of your boards, and it’s mighty handy when you’re fitting joints together.
But before you go grabbin’ the first one off the shelf, let’s have a little chat about what you should be lookin’ for when buyin’ your first Rabbet Plane.
I’ll make sure you’re armed with the know-how you need to get the right tool for the job!
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Blade Placement: Edge to Edge for Clean Cuts
One thing that sets the Rabbet Plane apart from most other planes is its blade placement.
The blade on a rabbet plane goes right from edge to edge, meaning it cuts right up to the corner of your board.
This is what allows it to make those perfect rebates (or rabbets, depending on what part of the country you’re from!).
When you’re pickin’ one out, make sure the blade is flush with the sides. If it’s not, you’ll end up with messy, uneven cuts, and that just won’t do.
If you wanna know more about other types of planes, I’ve got’cha covered here!
Adjustable Depth Stop: Keep It Consistent
If you’re like me, you want your rabbets to be nice and consistent. That’s where a depth stop comes in handy.
A good rabbet plane will have an adjustable depth stop that lets you control how deep the cut goes.
Once you set it, you can make repeated cuts without worrying about goin’ too deep or too shallow.
This is especially helpful if you’re workin’ on multiple boards that need the same exact cut. Set it and forget it, well, not really, but you get the idea!
Skewed vs. Straight Blade: Which One’s Right for You?
When you’re shoppin’ around, you might notice there are two main types of rabbet planes: skewed blade and straight blade. Now, what’s the difference?
- Skewed Blade: This blade sits at an angle, which helps make cleaner cuts, especially when you’re working across the grain. If you’re planning to do a lot of cross-grain work or need super smooth cuts, a skewed blade is your best bet.
- Straight Blade: A straight blade cuts square and is simpler to use for general-purpose rabbeting. It’s a little more straightforward (no pun intended!), and great for beginners who just need a tool to cut basic rebates.
If you’re just startin’ out, a straight blade rabbet plane will likely serve you just fine, but if you want to get real fancy with it, a skewed blade can give you some added finesse.
Fence: Keep Your Cuts Straight
A fence is another feature you’ll want to look for on a rabbet plane.
The fence helps guide the plane along your board, ensuring your cuts stay nice and straight.
Without a fence, you’re workin’ by eye, and that can lead to a wavy line quicker than a windy day.
Most rabbet planes come with an adjustable fence, so you can set it to the exact width you need. This is especially helpful when you’re making wider rabbets or when precision really matters.
Blade Quality: Sharp and Durable
You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again… a sharp blade is everything when it comes to hand planes.
The rabbet plane is no exception. Look for blades made from high-quality steel, like A2 or O1, which hold an edge well and are easier to sharpen when the time comes.
Since you’re makin’ precise cuts with a rabbet plane, you’ll want that blade to stay sharp for as long as possible.
A dull blade will leave you with ragged edges, and that’s no good when you’re trying to make clean, tight-fitting joints.
Comfort and Grip: Don’t Overlook It
Like any hand tool, you’re gonna be usin’ your rabbet plane for a good chunk of time, so it needs to feel comfortable in your hand. Check the handles (or totes) and make sure they’re smooth, sturdy, and fit your hand well.
If it feels awkward or uncomfortable, it’ll be a pain to use (literally).
Rabbet planes are usually a little lighter than other hand planes, but you still want one that has a solid feel to it. A tool that’s too flimsy will fight you all the way through the cut.
Left-Handed vs. Right-Handed Models: Get the Right Fit
Finally, don’t forget that some rabbet planes come in left-handed and right-handed models.
Most planes are designed for right-handers, but if you’re a lefty, make sure to look for a model that suits you.
Using a plane designed for your dominant hand will make things a whole lot easier and give you better control over your cuts.
So, if you’re on the hunt for your first Rabbet Plane, keep these things in mind: edge-to-edge blade placement, an adjustable depth stop, a fence for guiding your cuts, a sharp and durable blade, a comfortable grip, and make sure to get the right-handed model for your needs.
That’s about all I’ve got to say on Rabbet Planes for today! If you’ve got any more questions, just holler, and I’ll get back to you quicker than a woodpecker can tap a tree. Happy cuttin’, y’all!