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Raised panel doors

4794 Views 20 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  MAFoElffen
Ok, well some of you showed a lot of knowledge and interest when I was asking about an external speed controller, lets see how you do on panels LOL

I made my first raised panel door last night. I made the rails and stiles from poplar. The raised panels are 3/4" MDF. I routed the panel down until it fit in the groove.

Here is the question, how tight or loose should the panel be between the rails and stiles?

As it sits right now, the panel just fits in the groove. I've read a lot of articles that state not to glue the panel in as it's suppose to "float" between the rails and stiles for expansion and contraction from weather. I don't see how it's suppose to float if I had a hard time pushing it in there in the first place.

Any thoughts?

Thank You
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You could also consider "space balls," which are small rubber spheres meant to fit in the groove in the rail and stile to help center the door, while compressing with expansion of the panel. Most woodworking outlets have them.
That is what I have used when making raised panel doors.
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