Replies

1. 
   doorboy | Feb 12, 2006 05:26am | #1

   I think more information is needed.  Are the doors cabinet doors or entry doors?

   I know about entry doors.  If it applies to your question: the top rail can be roughly the same size as the stiles if residential hardware is used.  If architectural hardware is used, you will need wider stiles.  The bottom rail should be wider than the top rail. Again, if you are using a kickplate, that will help you determine the size of that rail.

   Is there a lock rail--or midrail(s)?  If so, it is generally the same width as the top rail.

   All of this assumes that by "length" you mean the measurement from the top of the rail to the bottom of the rail if the door is in the installed position.

   "He ain't Kinky.  He's my Governor."

2. 
   Steinmetz | Feb 12, 2006 06:22am | #2

   Mike, I think you are refering to the finish size of the rail or stile AFTER coping and sticking?

   If you know the width of the rail and stile material and the needed finish size of the door, just take a couple of scrap lumber pieces exactly 12" long the width of both the rail and the stile material and practice coping and sticking of the scraps and join together.

   Of course, its new size is shorter than the finish size wanted ,but just subtract the smaller measurement from the size needed and THAT figure is the correct size for uncoped blanks.
   Add the amount needed to end up with the needed finish size.
   Steinmetz

3. 
   notDusty | Feb 12, 2006 08:24am | #3

   Hi MikeMD ,

                     Well usually the tongue length determines the rail lengths . Whether you use tongue and groove square edge or shaper detailed stiles and rails . An example would be as follows : if you used 2 1/2" stiles with a 1/2" tongue on each end and your door is 18" wide ,

                18"  minus 5" (stiles) = 13" plus the 1" total tongue length  = 14"

         In this case the rails are the door width minus 4"

             in formula : width - stiles + tongue = rail length            

                I hope this will help you               dusty

1. 
   charlesm | Feb 12, 2006 05:13pm | #4

   Dusty is correct. Find the length of the tenon on the rail end (which will likely be 7/16" to 1/2" long) then use this formula:
   Rail Length = Total door width - stile width - stile width + tenon length + tenon length.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.

1. 
   MikeMD | Feb 13, 2006 04:45am | #5

   OK, I think we are getting close.  Most of what was stated in the replies I was unable to follow.  BUT.... The last couple did inspire some insight.  My bit set is the Freud 293 bead set.  This set does create a tenon for the groove in the stile.  Is this the measurement I'm suppose to use??  This seems way too complicated - it just shouldn' be this hard to figure out!!  For future responders a good example of a project I might make would be a small chimney cabinet.  Door would be roughly 15 1/2 by 43in.

1. 
   charlesm | Feb 13, 2006 07:00am | #6

   Mike,If you use 2" wide stiles and rails on a 15 1/2" by 43" door with the 99-263 set your rails will need to be 12 3/8" long. If you are using a different width let me know and I will be happy to help with the calculation.
   Charles M

   Freud America, Inc.