A dado (US and Canada, /ˈdd/), housing (UK) or trench (Europe) is a slot or trench cut into the surface of a piece of machinable material, usually wood. When viewed in cross-section, a dado has three sides. A dado is cut across, or perpendicular to, the grain and is thus differentiated from a groove which is cut with, or parallel to the grain. Dados are often used to affix shelves to cabinetry bodies. Similar to the dado, see rabbet (rebate).

A through dado (left) and a stopped dado

Variations

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  • A through[1] dado involves cuts which run between both edges of the surface, leaving both ends open.
  • A stopped or blind[2] dado ends before one (stopped) or both (blind) of the cuts meets the edge of the surface.[1]
  • A half dado is formed with a narrow dado cut into one part, coupled with a rabbet of another piece. This joint tends to be used because of its ability to hide unattractive gaps due to varying material thicknesses.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Dado Case Joints". Woodwork Details. 26 March 2021. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
  2. ^ Making Perfect Rabbet and Dado Joints AmericanFurnitureDesign.com Archived 2021-05-11 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Umstattd, William D.; Davis, Charles W. (2005). Modern cabinetmaking. Goodheart-Willcox. p. 484. ISBN 1590703766.