Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Jun 24, 2008 02:02am | #1

   If you attach the plywood "on edge," so to speak, using biscuits or whatever, there is a possibility that some fine cracks will appear at the joint over time. Even though the pieces are relatively stable, they're not 100% free of the forces of expansion/contraction.

   If you glue the panel into a groove, on the other hand, the face-to-face glue joint will help constrain those forces, and the cracks are thus much less likely to appear.

   -Steve

    

   
   

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   Edited 6/23/2008 7:15 pm ET by saschafer

2. 
   ring | Jun 24, 2008 07:58am | #2

   As Steve said, at some point down the line you will have a crack in the finish at the joint. If that's acceptable then do it your way. If you decide you ARE going to do it that way, then I suggest you glue up in 2 stages: first the panel to the top and bottom rail, all slightly oversize. Then trim that on the tablesaw to exact width as one unit, and glue up to the stiles.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

3. 
   BrianDerr | Jun 24, 2008 08:53am | #3

   It would be easier, it think, to run the panel into a precut groove than to deal with fitting it exactly to the finished dimensions (and centered on the thickness!) with a plate joiner. It is not hard to cut a groove with a dado set, and once you do, the dimensions of the panel become quite relative, as long as it is a little thinner than the groove. There is a reason for these 'traditional' ways of doing things--they are quite practical. Even the tinniest (sp?) of gap will be noticable from the front. But even if you make the panel much thinner than the groove, you will have to put your face on the door before it is as noticable.

   Brian

4. 
   Dave45 | Jun 24, 2008 04:22pm | #4

   Although the plywood is very stable, the solid wood rails and stiles will still want to expand and contract so gluing everything up probably isn't the best plan. 

   When I make panel doors (flat or raised), I allow ~1/8" - 3/16" for "wiggle room" then put a small dab of glue in the center of each rail slot to keep the panel centered.  The only problem I've ever had with a door is in my own kitchen.  The door right above the coffee maker doesn't really like the heat and moisture coming up from the coffee pot. - lol

1. 
   BigMish | Jun 24, 2008 04:38pm | #5

   Thanks all, I will definitely place the panel in a groove; I am convinced!