Replies

1. 
   aew | Feb 05, 2009 07:01pm | #1

   As long as the cherry is dry (either air or kiln)and has reached equilibrium moisture content in your shop, 3 or 4 5" board glue ups should not pose any special warpage problem. Some will advise you to alternate growth rings and where this can be done so as to preserve the best appearance, it can't hurt. But I go for grain matching and don't worry too much about growth ring orientation. If you don't start with warped lumber or resaw something to get 4/4 stock, and the material is dry, I'd just go for it.

2. 
   James R. | Feb 05, 2009 10:17pm | #2

   If I understand your question you're worried about warping after the glue up. If so I agree with AEW that if you start with flat stock the cherry should remain that way after the glue up.
   I built a hall table, about five years ago, with a 18" x 60" cherry top with only a 1" x 14" support about 12" in from each end. It's made from three pieces glued long grain to long grain and it has not warped even with a heavy brass sculpture placed on the middle of the table top. I think you'll be fine after glue up provided you support the cherry properly while the glue sets.

   Good luck, Jim

1. 
   dougmeyer | Feb 06, 2009 05:31pm | #3

   I do most of my "work" in cherry, and I have never had an issue with warping due to clue up. I have only had one or two warps ever in cherry. I have had some issue with expansion and contraction, but even that was just a bread board edge now sticking a bit past the top. And once case of some glue creep. But generally I have little issue with cherry.

   Doug M

3. 
   James R. | Feb 06, 2009 08:01pm | #4

   One other option is, if your panels are going to be framed you could use cherry plywood, provided of course it is also flat when you start. I use cherry plywood fairly often for case work that will have edge trimming or frame and panel design.

   Jim

1. 
   Biscardi | Feb 07, 2009 05:16am | #5

   I just glued up a table top around 39 inches wide out of dry 4/4 cherry. It cupped in one direction considerably. I did not alternate the grain board to board insteadl eaving the best presentation face up ( lovely curly stuff). I screwed 3 battens on using slotted screws and no glue and it is almost flat now. I have never used battens before, but I think they will be OK as I allowed for wood mvt. Cherry can actually move quite a bit.

   Frank