Replies

1. 
   Tony4211 | Nov 28, 2002 04:51pm | #1

   The back cutter allows you to use a thicker panel in your frame and still be able to fit the edge of the panel in the 1/4" groove in the stiles and rails. On a typical frame and panel door with 3/4" thick stiles and rails the panel thickness would be 5/8" thick. This would make the face of the panel flush with the front surface of the frame and recess it an 1/8" from the back. In the same example a 3/4" panel could be used and back cut an 1/8" this would make the panel flush with both sides of the frame. This is one reason to back cut. Hope it helps.

   Tony

2. 
   Joe_Fusco | Nov 28, 2002 07:10pm | #2

   MTBURTON ,

   You only need to "back cut" the panel if you have some trouble with the plane be "proud" of the frame. I make all my panel proud. There was a discussion here awhile back about this very topic. I that thread I said believed the panels are made flush with the frame to allow the panels to be machine sanded. Some agreed and some didn't. Nonetheless I personal like the look of a true "raised panel" in the frame.

   In the "Encyclopedia of Furniture Making" by Ernest Joyce, on page 228 it gives a very good explanation of what all the different frame and panels are called.

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