Replies

1. 
   JHARDE02 | Jan 03, 2005 08:03am | #1

   It depends on the width of the panel, but 1/8 to 3/16" is enough for panels up to about 8" or so wide.  I'm building two raised panels for a dresser right now and left about 1/4" for the 8" wide panel as I've never used this wood before (Jatoba) and don't know how much it might shrink or swell.  Because the panels are down low on the sides of a small dresser, I didn't cushion them with anything, reasoning that they will rarely be touched.  Panels in a head or foot board will be touched and you may want them cushioned to help againsts rattling or movement. 

   Space balls are simply little foam rubber balls that you drop a couple in each side of the panel.  You could also just use little pieces of foam weatherstripping. 

   If you've already glued the panel up without anything, you can always go back later and "pin" each panel top and bottom in the center with a dab of glue to lock the panel in place.  Be sure to only glue a small portion of the middle, which will allow each side to expand and contract.

1. 
   budreaux | Jan 03, 2005 07:51pm | #2

   I'm using white oak panels that are 14x18(grain direction).  That's more than I anticipated but I can just cut the slot a little deeper.  Thanks for the info.

1. 
   JHARDE02 | Jan 03, 2005 08:35pm | #3

   If it's quartersawn white oak, it'll expand less than other wood and I'd only give it about 1/4".

2. 
   DaveHeinlein | Jan 04, 2005 01:01am | #5

   According to this shrinkage calculator;http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/shrinkulator.htmYour White Oak will shrink a little over 1/16" per foot of width, in a swing from 12 to 6 percent, if the wood is quarter sawn. If it is flat(plain) sawn, the the amount is around 3/16".Bookmark that site for future reference

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 03, 2005 09:25pm | #4

   You should learn how to calculate this yourself if you are going to make furniture.  I'd recommend buying the shrinkage calculator and booklet sold by Lee Valley, it only costs a few dollars

   In any case, the panel will change 1/2 inch in width over a moisture content swing of 10%, which is the range I design for.  If you keep the panel centered, you will need to accommodate a 1/4 inch of movement on each side. 

   How deep you set the panels into their grooves as you assemble the piece will depend on the current moisture content of the wood.  If the wood is fairly moist you set the panel deep in the grooves since it will likely only shrink in the future.  If the wood in the panel is very dry, you need to leave room for the panel to expand in more humid weather.

   John W.