Raised Panel Door for Federal Style Project

[Mike Hutchison]

I am in process of making (2) doors for a Federal influenced cabinet project
Would it be correct for Federal doors to have the raised panel proud of the
door frame/rails and stiles? Any specific spec on how much proud? 1/8", 1/4", 1/2"
Any info appreciated.

[Mel Fulks]

They are often called “off-set” panels . I like 1/4 inch . Sometimes the design will also include a bead , but I think it looks better without
the bead.

[Mike Hutchison]

Mel
Thanks for input. I did a fair amount of Googling on subject
but did not come up with any specific info. Going out to shop shortly
and check how much the panels are sticking out from frames.
Don't know the dimension but know it looks a little heavy as is.

[Phil Mueller]

Mike, for further reference, I searched through a few of my books on period furniture. The vast majority of pieces have drawers and doors flush with the face frame, often offset with cock beading. I couldn’t find one example of a raised panel anything. In some cases, the drawers or doors are actually inset a small amount from the face frame molding. There was one Chippendale piece that appears to have a raised panel door, but hard to tell from the picture, and certainly not clear enough to give you a measurement.

[Mike Allen1010]

+1 to Phils comments. Don’t think raised panel construction is typical of the Federal style. Tends to rely more on flat surfaces decorated with veneer, string inlay etc.

[Mike Hutchison]

OK here's my cover story
I only claimed Federal Influence not strict adherence to the Federal style.
This piece would at best be called Folk Art (in Antique Roadshow lingo)
not fine furniture like Mr. Allen and some of you other fellers.
In any event, the deal has gone down with raised panels in the doors
The influence is repesented by the profile of apron (which was taken from a piece
on the internet represented as Federal) and the reeding on the pilasters
in the interior back of the cabinet as shelf supports. I will post pics at completion.
Yeah I know I need to re-up dues to have pic-posting capability.
I wanted to do raised panels to see how that could be accomplished w/ equipment
in my shop (and, of course, ability of shop inhabitant to use same)
For what little it might be worth, the raised panel pieces were planed down
so that they are not as prominent as they were.
Thanks to Phil and Mike, your information will be stored away for future reference.

[steven c newman]

One little note: The Shakers used a raised panel..except the "raised" part was on the inside of their doors....leaving a flat panel to show on the outside of the doors...

So..IF you are set on raised panels for doors...turn the panel to the inside....

Note#2: Entry and passage doors....the raised panels were 2 panels, back to back....a fancy raised panel to the outside, and a simpler raised panel to the inside of the doors...neither were glue in place, or to each other...

[Phil Mueller]

Mike, sounds like a wonderful piece. Please share it when you can. Look forward to seeing it.

[Mike Allen1010]

Mike please know absolutely no judgement from me! I love raised panels- to me one of indicators of handmade furniture!
some of my favorite pieces blend elements of different styles. You do you brother- more power to you! Look forward to seeing your progress!’
Cheers, Mike