Hi, Steve(?);
I've never made a panelled door but I've installed hundreds of them on cabinets.
I can't recall any where the rail and stile frame wasn't proud of the panel on the backside. I can't see why that should be a problem.
I'm guessing that the panel being proud on the front side is simply a function of the panel thickness that you start with. If your frame is 3/4" material than perhaps the panel should be 5/8" to 1/2" thick(?), or am I misunderstanding your situation?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Thank you for joining us, Steve.

You will find many on the forum, from hobbyists
to professional with similar interest in the router and its uses.

Take the time to learn how the forum works and ask any questions you want.

Try to post your question in the most appropriate section as not all members
read the Introductions section.

The members are only too happy to help.

Working on from Dan's post, I feel that the rail and style set is just that, for the rails and styles.

Another cutter is required to shape the raised panels. It may be that your rail and style set is designed for use with 1/4" ply panels?

Can you give the part number for the rail and style set, so we can offer more help.

http://www.skiltools.com/accessories/pages/accessories.aspx?cid=3010

http://www.routerforums.com/general-routing/29934-skil-91704-stacked-stile-rail-kit.html

A photo of the groves (grooves?) would also help.

 

Greeting and welcome Steve
If your panel cutter does not have a back cutter the panel will be proud, just adjust panel cutter and you can match the panel groove.
Some people like them proud but can present a problem when cutting a profile on the door edges (this is all just a matter of preference)
If your styles and rails match you have done a good job for your first try

 

Welcome to the forum Steve.

 

thanks for the responses. I went back and put this together dry and I think it's the way it should be. "proud" which I'm guessing means the panel extends somewhat past the surface of the rails & stiles on the front and sits in on the back. I suspect the only way to make the panel flush to the r/s is to use thinner material for the panel. The bit set is Skil #91704, 'stacked stile and rail set with panel cutter.
Steve
Upstate NY, USA

 

Hi Steve if the thicknes of your rail and the panel is the same, make a rabbet on the back side of the panel, deep as or close to the distance up to the grove in the rails. then adjust the cut of the panel bit so the panel still fits the grove in the rail.

Regards Leif

 

Exactly, Steve!
'Proud' is as you suggested. It's a very old expression, and used a lot by woodworkers to convey that condition which you mentioned. I'm not sure there's another word that so simply explains the relationship.
An example might be a dowel plug proud of a panel, meaning it's sitting a bit high.