I always use 1/2 the material thickness. Why? Just think about how to make the cut list for your materials. If your cutting away 1/2 of the material thickness then your leaving 1/2 of the material thickness right. 1/2 for each side means that to get the shelf size for that cabinet your making 1/2 material thickness X 2 sides = 1 material thickness.
Example: 24" wide cabinet 48" high and 3/4" thickness of material.
3/8 X 2 = 3/4" So the length of shelves are ?? Right 1 material thickness smaller than the 24" width 23 1/4" it is easy to figure out.
That's why I make the depth of cut on all dados, grooves and rabbets 1/2 of the material thickness. |