Michael Dodd
12-30-2005, 11:22 PM
Hey all, I just registered here- been lurking for a few weeks and this seems like a good place to ask my question:
I'm a beginning woodworker- I've got basic machine skills and I"ve done most of the finish work in my house. This is a hobby for me, but it's a hobby I'd like to get better at.
I'd like to practice Frame & Panel construction, as it appears to be an integral construction technique to cabinets and other furniture. I understand the basic concept, and I've been in the shop practicing on some scrap pieces. I'm not using any frame/panel bits- just going with regular square stock for the frame and plywood for the panel.
How loose should the panel be? Should it move freely in the frame? The plywood I'm using is a hair thinner than my 1/4" slotting bit.
How much gap should I be leaving between the panel and the bottom of the slot it's seated in? I'm assuming the gap would be smaller with a plywood panel than with a hardwood panel.
I've seen a couple examples of joinery for the frame, but would biscuits be acceptable for this? Seems like it would be a shortcut, and not the way to go if I want to hone my joinery skills.
Thanks for taking the time!
I'm a beginning woodworker- I've got basic machine skills and I"ve done most of the finish work in my house. This is a hobby for me, but it's a hobby I'd like to get better at.
I'd like to practice Frame & Panel construction, as it appears to be an integral construction technique to cabinets and other furniture. I understand the basic concept, and I've been in the shop practicing on some scrap pieces. I'm not using any frame/panel bits- just going with regular square stock for the frame and plywood for the panel.
How loose should the panel be? Should it move freely in the frame? The plywood I'm using is a hair thinner than my 1/4" slotting bit.
How much gap should I be leaving between the panel and the bottom of the slot it's seated in? I'm assuming the gap would be smaller with a plywood panel than with a hardwood panel.
I've seen a couple examples of joinery for the frame, but would biscuits be acceptable for this? Seems like it would be a shortcut, and not the way to go if I want to hone my joinery skills.
Thanks for taking the time!