Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Mar 27, 2008 04:33pm | #1

   I don't know about dodging work, that's part of the woodworking process and the reason it can be expensive. On wide panels, I often use plywood. I make a "raised" molding and attach it with a tongue and groove. Some will use MDF and shape it for painted jobs. You need sharp cutters.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

   
1. 
   harrycu | Mar 27, 2008 08:08pm | #2

   (Forrest Gump voice on) I like that raised molding, uh huh, I do. (Forrest Gump voice off)

   Harry

    Following the path of least resistance makes rivers and men crooked.

1. 
   blewcrowe | Mar 27, 2008 10:32pm | #4

   Good thing you turned the Forrest Gump voice off. I had considering shooting him half way through your first sentence.

2. 
   JeffHeath | Mar 27, 2008 10:27pm | #3

   Since you're painting it, make it out of mdf.  Make sure you wear a respirator when milling it, though.  That stuff is nasty to breathe in when it's milled with a router bit or a shaper.  Dust and glue everywhere.

   Jeff

3. 
   oldusty | Mar 27, 2008 10:34pm | #5

     I'm with Jeff on this one , I use 1/2" MDF for paint grade raised panel material.

         It cuts and machines like butta but the dust is nasty .

            dusty

4. 
   PlaneAround | Mar 28, 2008 02:32pm | #6

   Try mdf and paint it for such things.

   Marty S

1. 
   craigjl | Mar 28, 2008 04:33pm | #7

   Thanks guys. I'm very familiar with MDF, concerned about the weight, 36" wide. I'm probably poking around in the wrong forum but was thinking "wood alternative". Please don't beat me up too bad for that one :) I wont go in to all the boring details...

5. 
   JohnWW | Mar 28, 2008 05:10pm | #8

   MDF or solid wood are your two basic options. MDF is available in a light weight form but may be harder to find, the big boxes don't know it exists, but a good lumber yard or a sheet goods supplier can supply it. You shouldn't glue in MDF, it does expand and contract, about half as much as solid wood.

   Gluing up four 16" square panels shouldn't take you a week, just a few hours. If you do a glue up with minimal squeeze out and well matched seams it should take only a few minutes to clean up the panels.

   Plywood doesn't work as a raised panel because the plies, and any voids, will be visible where you have machined away the edges. The plies will telegraph through the paint no matter how carefully finished.

   A 36" square door is awkward in use and is pushing the strength limits of the joinery, especially in pine with cope and stick construction, you might be better off with two doors if that is possible.

   John White