Replies

1. 
   DWRead | Jan 09, 2003 08:23am | #1

   Isn't it a narrow tube of foam rubber?

   Janet

2. 
   gpwest | Jan 09, 2003 09:19am | #2

   Jayst,

      The're called Space Balls. Available from Woodworker's Hardware and many other cataloge for only a few cents apiece.  GP

3. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 09, 2003 09:56am | #3

   Chris Becksvoort centers the panel and pins it in place with two wooden pegs on some of his pieces.

4. 
   camel | Jan 09, 2003 06:10pm | #4

   Hey Jayst- I would recommend the space balls. Get alot of them at once , you use ususlly 8 per door, considering 2 stiles, 2 rails. They're faster, more accurate than messing around trying to lay an even bead of caulk on wax paper and waiting for it to dry and then cut it into pieces. But it will work just as well in a bind. Another product I'm using now that hasn't got a brand name, is these approx. 1/4" x 1/4" strips of foam. I got a big bag of the stuff for $12.00 from my lumber supplier.

   John E. Nanasy

1. 
   DWRead | Jan 09, 2003 06:18pm | #5

   What is the foam tubing for? I think it has "backer" or "backing" in the name.

   Janet

1. 
   TomsLC | Jan 09, 2003 06:40pm | #6

   Backer rod is placed in deep grooves before applying caulk.

   Many types of caulk won't set up if you put it in more than about 1/4 inch thick. A thin bead of caulk also works better than a thick bead in some cases where you want more resilience. Backer rod is usually available in 3/8, 1/2, and larger. Larger than what you would want to put in a panel groove I think.

   If you don't have space balls handy, you can also use little pieces of weatherstrip. The home centers usually have a large assortment of sizes on hand.

2. 
   TomsLC | Jan 09, 2003 06:43pm | #7

   One more thought...

   If your panel edge is 1/8 to 3/16 inch you can use little pieces of the rubber spline that is made to hold window screen in the frame.

2. 
   JayS | Jan 10, 2003 03:46am | #9

   Can you recomend a more specific source for the space balls?  Thanks a lot.

   Jay

1. 
   TomFerreira | Jan 10, 2003 04:02am | #10

   http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/findprod.cfm?&DID=6&sku=2020

5. 
   bill_1010 | Jan 09, 2003 07:45pm | #8

   just make a fine or a medium bead or a thick bead (depending on your needs) of caulk on some wax paper. Let the bead dry/cure completely and just cut little lengths say about an inch. and place them between your rail/stile and panel.  The cured caulk wont leave a mess on your work and helps prevent rattles.