Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Feb 06, 2007 05:25am | #1

   Space balls, Available @ http://www.eagleamerica.com   In the search box type in the part number 447-7170  .   They should fix you up.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   frost | Feb 06, 2007 05:43am | #2

   a great use for iron on edgebanding is shimming.  Space balls are not of use if the door is already glued.  I'd try breaking off a piece of edgebanding, add some glue, and slide it between the middle of the panel.and the rails.,cut off the extra.   It would then be pinned in the center and be able to move side to side. Hopefully, this would give a flat panel a feeling of tightness. If the panel still felt loose along the edges, you could try to slide some small pieces of edgebanding into the stiles. but you'd be reaching here.  Do not glue these.  If it does not feel right, make a new door.  As Spike says "Do the right thing"

2. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 06, 2007 05:52am | #3

   If you have already assemble the door/panel, about the only choice you have is to use a very small brad -- one for the top, one for the bottom -- nailed through the frame into the panel on the backside of the drawer.

   Put 'em right in the middle of the panel (after you center the panel) which will allow for expansion/contraction.

   If the door has not yet been put together, the space balls work well. And the veneer tape (or any thin strips of wood) will do the job too.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   mweir | Feb 06, 2007 05:57am | #4

   thanks everyone. The door isn't assembled as of yet so i think it should be an easy fix...hopefully the first door will be the hardest :)

1. 
   nikkiwood | Feb 06, 2007 06:23am | #5

   It always is that way, isn't it. The great thing about wwing is that your mistakes are usually fixable.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   JohnWW | Feb 06, 2007 06:36am | #6

   You may need that room for expansion next summer. What is the wood species and the width of the panel, and how much more humid is the weather likely to be in the summer?

   The usual allowance is 1/4 inch per foot of width and in most places in North America the indoor humidity is at about its lowest for the year in late winter, so the panel is most likely going to expand in a few months. If the panel is 18 inches wide it will need that 3/8 inch of expansion room in many climates. Pinning the panel in the center of its top and bottom edges will keep it from shifting around while still leaving room for it to move. If the panel is rattling in the slots you made the fit too loose.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

4. 
   oldusty | Feb 06, 2007 09:11am | #7

   Hi MW ,

                What is the overall size of the door and panel ?

               How deep are the grooves ?

              What species wood and is it dry and stable ?

            Typically I would never make the panel more than 3/16 " shy of the rail width .

       With these things in mind to fix what you have if the grooves are at least about a 1/2" deep , since it is not assembled yet you could glue a strip on each edge . If you make them just the correct size with a small amount of sanding these add ons will be hidden in the groove .

       Another option depending on how much you have already cut for the rest would be to make the stiles a bit wider and cut the rails down a bit .

      To keep the panel centered I do not penetrate the panel ever , rather shoot a few pins between the back of the panel and the back of the groove . This will prevent any rattle and keep it centered up .

                   good  luck           dusty