Gluing raised panel doors

[Alexander Galkin]

I have problem assembling and gluing raised panel doors. The center panel seems to slip towards the side I attach it to first. I usually leave 1/8" gap for each side across the grain.

[Doug Miller]

Don't attach the panel to either side. Use a flexible spacer such as Space Balls, or weatherstripping, to hold the panel in place. Do a Google search; it's been discussed here several times in the recent past, and there's lots of information available.

-- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek-at-milmac-dot-com)

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[SawEyes]

The center panel should float i.e. no glue. Usually I assemble the 2 sides and bottom rail with glue, then slide in the panel, add the top rail, glue that joint and clamp it all up.

-- Regards,

Dean Bielanowski Editor, Online Tool Reviews

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[Rob]

CMT sells little rubber-like strips (Panalign strips I think they call them.) that hold the panel in place but still allow for movement.

They also serve to center the panel. They work great!

Rob

[A Dubya]

A small dowel (1/16-1/8"diam) centered in the groove of your top and bottom rail, and a small "V" notch in the top and bottom center of your panel, centers the panel during glue-up, and allows for equalized seasonal movement.

Cheap, dirty, foolproof.

Cheers,

aw

[jev]

Nice idea! I usually assemble, then tap side of door until panel centered and then pin in place w/ dowels top and bottom.. Your way seems much simpler - gonna try it!

[Bill Rogers]

What will that do to movement top and bottom, and why bother?

Bill.

[Leonard Lopez]

Why not just a dab of glue in the center? It will stop the center from moving and still allow even expansion side to side.

Len

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A Dubya wrote:

[George]

Nothing. Movement along the grain is infinitesimal.

It will, however, obviate the need for "space balls" or such, and keep things from rattling.

[A Dubya]

Hey Len,

The dowels keep things centered permanently, are traditional, only take a few minutes to install, and will never fail over time.

Spaceballs? Weather stripping? A drop a of glue etc? All will work fine, I suppose..........

Cheers,

aw