panel size question

[thetyreman]

I am about to cut a panel for a shaker style weather station, the depth of the grooves are 5/16" deep, should I cut it to the exact size (5/16") or make it slightly undersized? for example at 1/4" instead, I am presuming it's going to shrink a bit over time.

regards,

Ben.

 

[woodbrains]

I am about to cut a panel for a shaker style weather station, the depth of the grooves are 5/16" deep, should I cut it to the exact size (5/16") or make it slightly undersized? for example at 1/4" instead, I am presuming it's going to shrink a bit over time.

regards,

Ben.

Hello,

Make the panels exact size in height and about 1/8 in (3 mm) narrower each side to allow seasonal movement. (Assuming the grain is orientated vertically) I find it better to make the panel an exact fit all round, then field the panels all round, if you are raising the panel, then remove the 1/8 inch off both sides. This makes it easier to get the reveals even all round. If the panel us just as thick as the groove, then make it narrower by the 1/8 in either side.

Mike.

 

[custard]

Mike and I would normally agree on most things, but on this I'd suggest cutting the width of the panel (the cross grain direction) just a smidgeon less than the rebate width, in other words cut it to comfortably fit but no less. If I remember correctly you're working in softwood. Softwoods can be all over the place in terms of moisture content, even kilned softwoods, as the boards are often stored outdoors during distribution. Consequently the biggest risk is that it'll shrink too much and leave a gap.

You'll be having a few trial assemblies before the glue-up, so you can always revisit this later as you get to know better how your boards are behaving.

 

[woodbrains]

Mike and I would normally agree on most things, but on this I'd suggest cutting the width of the panel (the cross grain direction) just a smidgeon less than the rebate width, in other words cut it to comfortably fit but no less. If I remember correctly you're working in softwood. Softwoods can be all over the place in terms of moisture content, even kilned softwoods, as the boards are often stored outdoors during distribution. Consequently the biggest risk is that it'll shrink too much and leave a gap.

You'll be having a few trial assemblies before the glue-up, so you can always revisit this later as you get to know better how your boards are behaving.

Hello,

I don't disagree at all. If I know my wood might be more likely to shrink than expand, because it is reasonably freshly bought from the timber merchants, I would remove less from the edges. I'm in the habit of making sure all wood I use is generally bone dry, perhaps I should have made that clear. It all depends on the size of the panel, too. But do remove some, you don't want a tight side to side fit, if it does want to expand, it will, and your frame joinery will be forced apart.

Mike.