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Thread: Panel Top Glue Up Question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
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    Panel Top Glue Up Question

    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)?
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  2. #2
    I would not consider the end grain orientation at all on an interior hardwood project.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2015
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    Dublin, CA
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    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".

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
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    Tokyo, Japan
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    Connect the top to the sides in a way that precludes both warping and splitting, and all will be well.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
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    Los Angeles
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    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.

  6. #6
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    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.
    "A hen is only an egg's way of making another egg".


    – Samuel Butler

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Perth, Australia
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    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.



    Regards from Perth

    Derek

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Apply finish equally to both sides of that top and it will help equalize the seasonal moisture changes.
    Lee Schierer
    USNA '71
    Go Navy!

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