Kirk (KC) Constable
02-21-2004, 3:23 PM
I'm building a Mission (probably more Craftsman) computer desk. The side boxes are frame and panel, two panels each side, eight panels total. They're approximately 10x20 and need to fit inside a 1/4" groove in the frame pieces. Thicker would be okay, but I didn't want to plane down full 4/4 panels...primarily because I'm cheap. :( , but also because I felt comfortable resawing 2 pieces 2-1/2" wide for each panel (giving me 10"). This way I could get the whole panel from a short 6" wide board, without trying to resaw 5-6"...this is stressful for me and taxing (mesquite) to my 14" bandsaw.
Now the question. After resawing, the 7/16" boards are bowed (along the length) all to hell. I expected some bowing, but it's baaaaad. I glued one panel by alternating the bows...first and third pieces bow down, second and fourth bow up. That one looks flat in the clamps. I glued the second one with the first and fourth bow down, and the middle two bow up. This one doesn't look flat in the clamps...it bows up a bit across the width in the middle, and was very difficult to get 'close'. Can I assume from this that I was correct in alternating the bows? I've put some weight on the next two in an attempt to straighten them out a bit before gluing...so that may be the answer, but you never know with mesquite.
FWIW, the material has been 'acclimated' to the shop.
Advice appreciated. I admire you guys that glue skinny stuff on a regular basis.
KC
Now the question. After resawing, the 7/16" boards are bowed (along the length) all to hell. I expected some bowing, but it's baaaaad. I glued one panel by alternating the bows...first and third pieces bow down, second and fourth bow up. That one looks flat in the clamps. I glued the second one with the first and fourth bow down, and the middle two bow up. This one doesn't look flat in the clamps...it bows up a bit across the width in the middle, and was very difficult to get 'close'. Can I assume from this that I was correct in alternating the bows? I've put some weight on the next two in an attempt to straighten them out a bit before gluing...so that may be the answer, but you never know with mesquite.
FWIW, the material has been 'acclimated' to the shop.
Advice appreciated. I admire you guys that glue skinny stuff on a regular basis.
KC