Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/Kitchen cabinet doors

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Expert: - 9/18/2008


Question
I am building new doors for my kitchen cabinets. I've routed out a 1/4 slot in the frames for a center panel to fit. My question: should I glue the panels in or leave them loose for expansion and contraction? I've been advised both ways by different people. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer
Barbara,

Regardless of the center panel material, it should not be glued. It should float in the slots, allowing for expansion and contraction... but you already knew that!

If it's a loose fit, you can do a couple of things to keep the panels from rattling. Some people use "space balls", which more or less center the panel and keep it from moving. Here's a link: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=3883

Or, if you don't want to use those, you can put a dab of hot glue in the all the slots, and then insert the panel. The glue will cushion the panel and keep it from rattling around too much.

Hope this helps!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com
www.wooditis.blogspot.com  

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Jamie Yocono

Expertise

Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.

Experience

Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980) Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639 Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years. Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!

Organizations
Furniture Society

Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University) College of Hard Knocks!

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