panel type for bathroom cabinet

On 10/30/2017 9:50 AM, sawdustmaker wrote:
> I’m making a new walnut bathroom cabinet. If I didn’t have the lumber I’d
> buy 1/4” plywood for the cabinet panels (10.5×26.25). However I have enough
> lumber that I can resaw / surface to make the panels out of solid wood. I
> know that moisture / movement could be a problem but will it? Should I take
> a chance and use solid wood or go the safe (more expensive) route and buy
> the plywood? The top coat will be General Finishes Enduro-var.
> TIA
>
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I would advise to prefinish the inner panel before assembly, including
the edges and end grain. This will help to reduce movement.

On 10/30/2017 10:50 AM, sawdustmaker wrote:
> I’m making a new walnut bathroom cabinet. If I didn’t have the lumber I’d
> buy 1/4” plywood for the cabinet panels (10.5×26.25). However I have enough
> lumber that I can resaw / surface to make the panels out of solid wood. I
> know that moisture / movement could be a problem but will it? Should I take
> a chance and use solid wood or go the safe (more expensive) route and buy
> the plywood? The top coat will be General Finishes Enduro-var.
> TIA
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> http://www.avg.com
>

Assuming that the 10-1/2" dimension is the cross-grain size then I don't
see any insurmountable problems with wood movement. Yes, it will move but
if you use proper procedures and don't glue it in place and leave enough
wood in a sufficiently-deep slots then it shouldn't matter. Personally I'd
use 1/2" stock and taper the inside of them panel to fit (as in many Shaker
pieces). I've got any number of panels done this way and have had no
problems. BTW, no matter how you do it, it would be best to finish the
panel before assembly to make sure that, when the wood does move it will
not show unfinished surfaces.

[email protected] (Scott Lurndal) wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> sawdustmaker <[email protected]> writes:
>>I’m making a new walnut bathroom cabinet. If I didn’t have the lumber
>>I’d buy 1/4” plywood for the cabinet panels (10.5×26.25). However I
>>have enough lumber that I can resaw / surface to make the panels out
>>of solid wood. I know that moisture / movement could be a problem but
>>will it? Should I take a chance and use solid wood or go the safe
>>(more expensive) route and buy the plywood? The top coat will be
>>General Finishes Enduro-var.
>
> The key to working with solid wood is the joinery, not necessarily
> the finish.
>
> If your plan is to use frame and panel, then solid panels
> are fine (don't glue them into the frame, of course).
>
> If your joinery constrains the movement across the grain,
> then regardless of finish, you'll have issues.
>

I had planned to use mortices and stub tenons.

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Iggy <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> replying to sawdustmaker, Iggy wrote:
> You're good to go with John McGaw and Leon, they're spot on!
>

Thanks. TUrns out that I don't have enough wood forr the panels so I'll
have to get plywood anyway. I'll use the rest on another project later.
BTW -- 1/4 sheet of A1 mdf walnut ply is $83 with tax. :(((( So I gave
them my right foot, ankle, and lower leg.

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"sawdustmaker" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Iggy <[email protected]> wrote in
> news:[email protected]:
>
>> replying to sawdustmaker, Iggy wrote:
>> You're good to go with John McGaw and Leon, they're spot on!
>>
>
> Thanks. TUrns out that I don't have enough wood forr the panels so I'll
> have to get plywood anyway. I'll use the rest on another project later.
> BTW -- 1/4 sheet of A1 mdf walnut ply is $83 with tax. :(((( So I gave
> them my right foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Man, did they see YOU coming!

sawdustmaker <[email protected]> writes:
>I’m making a new walnut bathroom cabinet. If I didn’t have the lumber I’d
>buy 1/4” plywood for the cabinet panels (10.5×26.25). However I have enough
>lumber that I can resaw / surface to make the panels out of solid wood. I
>know that moisture / movement could be a problem but will it? Should I take
>a chance and use solid wood or go the safe (more expensive) route and buy
>the plywood? The top coat will be General Finishes Enduro-var.

The key to working with solid wood is the joinery, not necessarily
the finish.

If your plan is to use frame and panel, then solid panels
are fine (don't glue them into the frame, of course).

If your joinery constrains the movement across the grain,
then regardless of finish, you'll have issues.

replying to sawdustmaker, Iggy wrote:
You're good to go with John McGaw and Leon, they're spot on!

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