Rabbet joints

[PerryBee]

I have just had enough pine milled to build myself 20 or so medium ( honey ) supers. I want to join the corners using rabbet joints versus finger joints to save a ton of time. I got to wondering if there is an advantage to having the rabbets on the side pieces or the ends?:scratch: Is one or the other preferable, taking prying etc. into account? Another question, because these won't have hand holds milled into them, is there any particular height from the top of the box that cleats should be put? Should cleats be put all around or only on the ends? First time trying this and don't really want to learn the hard way ( the usual way for me ):lookout:

[honeyman46408]

I use all rabbit joints and I make all the cuts on the end pieces.

I would think cleats would bee to your likeing.

[NashBeek]

I put my Rabbets on the ends because that's where you put the rabbets for the frames and that way you only have to do two pieces. I place my handholds only on the ends so if you use migratory covers you can still get them close for stacking and about 2 1/2 " from top. I personally like Rabbets better than box joints because you have less end grain exposed but you still have to paint them of course. Everyone has a different opinion, this is just mine. If you're using waterproof glue, the wood will probably break before the glue joint will. I hope this will help, like I said its the way I do mine!

[bentonbee]

I make the rabbits on the ends. For my handles, I use a full width cleat on the top and bottom of the ends. This way when I set the super on the end it will stand up and not fall over.
Pastor Mike

[Jack Grimshaw]

Make your dado cuts 3/8 x3/8 on ends and sides and you will increase your gluing area by 50%

[PerryBee]

Good idea Jack! I had to draw it out on paper to get the jist of what you're saying but you are right, it would increase the surface to be glued. A lot more rabbet cutting mind you but probably worth the effort. Will think about that. Thanks

[Bizzybee]

I keep my rabbits in individual cages.................. OH :lookout:

The other rabbets. You'll have to draw a picture for me? I see 1-1/8" contact surface anyway you slice it. :scratch:

[Jack Grimshaw]

Sorry Brain f***

the surface areas would be equal

(3/4 x 9 5/8) + ( 3/8 x 9 5/8) = (3/8 x 9 5/8) +(3/8 x 9 5/8) + (3/8 x 9 5/8)

What I meant was you would increase the gluing faces from 2 to 3.

I think it makes a pretty strong joint,especially backed up with a half dozen staples.

I staple from the end using a jig that makes 2 supers at a time