Gary, I’m building the “Southern Huntboard” as illustrated in FWW #39 by Carlyle Lynch. I’m concerned about the cross-grain issue with the Sides, Partitions, and Back as they join the Legs and Stiles. I’m building in Walnut and the height of the Side is 11 1/4 “. I have thought about gluing only at the bottom tenon in the Side, Partitions and Back, and letting these pieces float at the Top. However these parts are hemmed in by the Lower Rails which are mortised into the Legs and the Upper Rail which is dovetailed into the top of the Legs and also dovetailed into the top edge of the Sides.
I suspect that the Sides could have a differential movement of a little less than 1/8″ over the width. Not too much to worry about and maybe worth the risk.
You can refer to my design as shown on the FWW Blog, Design. Click. Build.
Tim
Replies
Tim,
Geez, sorry about the reply time. This one slipped through the cracks.
I spoke with a builder of reproduction furniture who regularly used 24" wide solid cherry panels for his lowboys, etc. I said to him, well isn't this just going to split eventually. His reply was yeah, but that's how they used to make 'em.
So, you're right to be concerned about wood movement. But all you can do is hedge your bet. Now walnut doesn't move all that much and if you can find some quartersawn stuff to use, then the issue is further minimized.
The strategy I use for wide tenons is to bust them into two or three smaller ones. Instead of a panel glued into a groove, I would use tenons with haunches. Leave the haunches unglued and maybe part of the outer tenons as well. Then cross your fingers and wait a hundred years. Sooner if someone puts this piece next to the wood stove. Best of luck. Gary
Thanks Gary, and thanks for checking with a reproduction expert. I suspected that they just did it this way. I actually decided to let the top edge of the sides and partitions float up with the Top. So I have built in some protection.
Tim
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