Replies

1. 
   user-148830 | May 29, 2008 06:37am | #1

   Hi,
   I think the old timers didn't care about the gaps in their panels. It sounds crazy but I think it has to be true. The reason I think this is so is that I, like you, can't get those gaps perfect. You are trying to make them perfect. I gave up trying a long time ago. I use rabbeted panels. I like the shadow line and I don't have that issue of gapping. If I want a beveled panel, I still use a rabbeted edge to fit into the frame. This way my fit is perfect and I still have the beveled edge. Good luck with your struggles. Gary

1. 
   bmarples | May 29, 2008 06:52am | #2

   Thanks for you reply. I think you are right. But, because I don't want to look at any gaps in my work I bought a vertical cove bit for my router today. It's funny that I can cut beautiful dovetails by hand but I can't ( after 3 careful attempts ) plane an angle on a piece of wood so that it is the same all the way around. Maybe if I practiced a few thousand more times ( like I did when I was learning hand cut dovetails ) I will improve but, the router bit will have to do for now. It took me 7 years to perfect my dovetails and I don't have an unlimited lifespan to learn how to do everything by hand.
   Cheers !
   Dave.

1. 
   user-148830 | May 29, 2008 06:11pm | #3

   Dave,
   I have that same vertical coving bit. I also have a jointer and a planer. Pick your battles. As Sun Tzu would have it, the victorious general has a strategy that guarantees victory before the battle begins. This almost explains it. Have fun and good luck to you. Gary