Recessing is making a shallow recess, routed or chiselled into wood, so that another part fits into it exactly, flush and snugly. It involves “sinking” a part into the wood surface, where the depth of the recess equals the thickness of the part being let in.
Where is it applied?
Recessing gives a neat, flush connection without parts sticking out:
- Hinges — on doors and windows the hinge leaf is recessed so it lies flush with the wood and the door closes properly
- Locks and hardware — face plates and strike plates are let in flush with the frame or door
- Stair treads — the treads are fitted into a recess in the string for a firm, flush connection
- Cables and pipes — a routed groove in which a cable or pipe is concealed
How do you make a recess?
Usually the outline is marked out and the recess is worked to the correct depth with a chisel, router or plunge router. For hinges, a template is often used for an exact, repeatable dimension.
Points to note
- Depth — the recess must be exactly as deep as the thickness of the part to be let in; too deep gives play, too shallow leaves the part sticking out
- Snug fit — mark out accurately and clean out the corners with a sharp chisel
- Do not remove too much material — an oversized recess weakens the wood unnecessarily
Related terms
- Wood joint
- Rebate
- Hinge
- Routing
- Chisel
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