hwr wrote: I am contemplating making some slab-style kitchen cabinet doors. I was planning on edge-gluing the pieces to help make them stronger and prevent warping. However, what I am not sure about is what type of edge
treatment should I do to prep the pieces. I am trying to decide between
tongue & groove vs. glue joint. Is one better than the other? Is one particularly easier to use than the other in prepping boards for edge-gluing? I am planning on using maple for the doors.
T&G or flat edge glue-ups are gonna be a toss-up, as niether will do much to prevent warping. T&G could make final sanding less of a chore, if done well. Acclimating your stock to it's final conditions, then keeping those conditions will go farthest in keepin' down the warp in slab doors. That, or properly done breadboard ends. I built slabs for my wife's kitchen re-do, waited the requisite time between rough and final millings, was careful to alternate the grain at glue-up, finished all 6 sides, then installed. Beautiful. Then came warmer temps, so we open up the house, but I didn't notice the extra humidity. And she didn't notice 'til I pointed out about a quarter of all the doors had begun warping (actually, cupping). These are wide doors, so it didn't take much to be noticable. Then the humidity dropped, and the doors went back to their original state. Perhaps another coat or two of shellac on the backs will help, as that's the side that expanded. Good luck. Tom