Raised panel doors

4805 Views 20 Replies 9 Participants Last post by MAFoElffen, Oct 11, 2014

Travisphoto

Discussion Starter · Oct 10, 2014

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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MAFoElffen

· #21 · Oct 11, 2014 (Edited)

al m said:
I thought you used spacers all around ,both top,bottom and sides to prevent just that
I may be wrong,have been many times.
I do believe this is all more important in solid wood.
I have built all pine,all maple,maple and poplar and maple and mdf doors and did the same with all
Seemed to work,the pine are the oldest, now being replaced with the maple/ mdf,not because of issues with the doors but she wants a updated look
Sure everyone knows what that is

LOL. I accept that I am open to mistakes, especially as age creeps in on me.

(Your comments on space balls) That's how I feel about it. The compression layer (say space balls are used) keep the panel centered, allow for an expansion joint, and keep the the door from rattling. It is modern, and currently how we deal with that. This is the currently accepted train of thought these days.

Personally, I try to stay away from MDF. It is great for making inexpensive paint-outs. I happen to prefer the look of wood grain. MDF is hard on my eyes, lungs and tooling. I use goggles and respirators when dealing with it... but it never quite seems to be good enough for my aging body.

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