Replies

1. 
   Alan | Apr 04, 2002 02:01am | #1

   Joe,

   If, as you say, you are a well equiped amateur I believe you probably do have the tools to make the raised panels yourself.  All you really "need" is either a plow-plane (which you probably don't have) or a router with a straight-cutting bit (which you probably do have) and a block plane, or other bench plane. 

   Use the router and the straight bit to define the edges of the raised panel.  Rout out a rebate around the edge of the panel leaving a lip a quareter or half inch wide or so (depending on the size of the panel) and thin enough to fit into the groove in the rails and stiles (usually around a quarter inch).  Then use the same tool to rout out a rectangle in the middle of the panel to define the central, flat area; rout this groove only deep enough to make a little lip to transition from the the flat top to the sloping shoulders, say an eighth inch or so.  It's wise to make the width of the shoulders the same as the width of the iron in the plane you plan to use; you can make it wider, but you cannot make it narrower than the plane iron.  Then use the block plane or other plane to plane down the shoulders at an angle so that they are just short of the lip in the middle of the panel, and just touch the rebate around the edge.  (It's harder to explain than to do.  But I'm sure you get the idea.)  Be sure to begin on one of the ends--that is, on the end grain--and then just work your way around the panel, planing each shoulder down until they meet in the corners at a forty-five degree angle.  Be sure your plane iron is razor sharp before you begin.

   You should undoubtedly practice on some pine or other inexpensive wood before you tackle the expensive stuff; but it's really not all that difficult.  Besides, then you can truly say you made it yourself.

   Alan