Panel Top Glue Up Question

[Joe A Faulkner]

A curio cabinet project that my son is working on requires a 14" wide x 18.75" long top. it is being made out of white oak. The boards on hand are in the 6" wide range. For this top using the lumber shown, would you recommend a three piece glue up or ripping the 6" wide stock and alternating the growth rings (5 piece glue up)?

[Mel Fulks]

I would not consider the end grain orientation at all on an interior hardwood project.

[Patrick Chase]

To be honest I'd be most concerned about the narrow strip. It looks to me like the top surface (as oriented in the photo) was <3/4" from the pith. I'd find a way to place that along one of the edges instead of at the center of the glue-up. That way when it cups it won't cause the entire surface to "fold".

[Stanley Covington]

Connect the top to the sides in a way that precludes both warping and splitting, and all will be well.

[Steve Kaminska]

Personally, I would look for wider boards and keep those 6” pieces for another project. Here in the desert of SoCal, I can regularly get 8” - 9” wide white oak boards. I would imagine that would be even easier for you guys to obtain.

[glenn bradley]

I orient for appearance and have left the 'opposite ring pattern' thing behind long ago. I wouldn't hesitate to use the boards you have if they give the appearance you are after.

[Derek Cohen]

Orientate the boards for the most pleasing appearance. I assume that the grain will run across the width of the cabinet, and attach to the cabinet sides. That will maintain stability/prevent movement.

http://www.inthewoodshop.com/Furniture/Scraping_html_5992010e.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Lee Schierer]

Apply finish equally to both sides of that top and it will help equalize the seasonal moisture changes.