Replies

1. 
   Mcfarmer | Oct 06, 2012 12:34am | #1

   You could cut a rabbet around the 1/2 panel so it would still fit into a  1/4 groove in the frame. It could be flush on the backside and recessed in the front, or split the difference.

2. 
   RalphBarker | Oct 06, 2012 10:46am | #2

   Answers

   Yes, yes, no, yes, no. But, in random sequence.  ;-)

   The "Shrinkulator" will give you expansion/contraction figures for various wood species:

   http://www.woodbin.com/calcs/shrinkulator.htm

   If you are using plywood panels, seasonal movement will be much less of an issue, since only the solid wood components will be subject to movement, and due to the smaller dimensions, that movement will be relatively small. With flat panels, the thickness of the panels doesn't really matter, since they will float free and won't be structural elements. As such, 1/4" thick panels would be a reasonable choice. If you go with raised panels in solid wood, however, seasonal movement comes back into the design considerations, and your grooves will need to allow for that movement.

   For a desk with multiple panels, you may want to design the rails to be full length, with longer tenons going into the corner legs, and shorter tenons (often referred to as stub tenons) on the stiles that would fit into the groove in the rails. Or, longer tenons (for greater strength) on the stiles that would fit into deeper mortises in the rails, spaced appropriately. The stub-tenon approach is often used with a relatively small, single panel that isn't subjected to much stress.

   In my opinion, furniture design is a combination of style (what the piece looks like) and engineering (the joinery). There are literally hundreds of books on design, along with similar numbers of books that explore particular styles (e.g. Arts and Crafts, Greene and Greene, etc.). The Taunton book by Gary Rogowski, "The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery" is a good reference for the engineering element.

   http://www.amazon.com/The-Complete-Illustrated-Guide-Joinery/dp/1561584010/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349534112&sr=8-1&keywords=woodworking+joinery

1. 
   roc | Oct 07, 2012 01:24pm | #3

   Yes, yes, no, yes, no. But, in random sequence

   Ralph,

   That's awesome !

   Sounds like something I would have said.  But some how mine not as sweetly.

   Tony,

   Back in my day, before the internet and sharp pencils, we had these data and information storage units.

   http://www.amazon.com/Nick-englers-woodworking-wisdom-Engler/dp/0762101792/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1337043802&sr=1-1

   . . .  read it there, read it here or read it on a half fast slapped together web site.   What is the difference ?

   Well the difference is some one doesn't have to keep typing it over and over in a chat room.

   So . . . Mr. Nick Engler and his associates put in many a late night getting it right so I would recommend his book and a few others.  if you don't find what you need let us know but it isn't a quick look and go it can take years learning this stuff.  Start small, make some basic stuff then tackle the complexities of your desk. ((( or plan on giving one or two away as plant stands))).