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resawing and panel glue up

2K views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  trsnider 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I've resawn and done a panel glue up for real this time. The panels are about 13.5" wide and have a 5/32" bow. Of course the frames will force them to flatten out. I know that the boards should've been ripped and the grain alternated, but the panels are for the door of a small cabinet and I went for looks over the right technique. I had the right technique gluing them up - cauls on each side and the middle. Newbie at resawing and panel glue up. The wood is walnut, but I don't think that matters. Probably the skill/knowlege of the woodworker.
What's the consensus for resawing and panel glueup where looks outweigh proper technique? Ideas/Suggestions?

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#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
I ve resawn and done a panel glue up for real this time. The panels are about 13.5" wide and have a 5/32" bow. Of course the frames will force them to flatten out. I know that the boards should ve been ripped and the grain alternated…

- trsnider
Actually, you are better off with one large bow than a washboard of little ones. It will flatten out evenly, unlike alternating grain. Here's what Tage Frid says:

Tage Frid on Alternating Rings

Another thing most books tell you is to alternate the wood to compensate for the cupping caused by shrinkage. This would be fine if you wanted to design a washboard. But if you want to use your wood, for example, for a tabletop, it will take a lot of screws to hold it down, plus every second board will usually have a lot of sapwood, especially today with the shortage and high cost of wood, where every piece must be used. But, if we don't alternate the wood, it will work together and form an arch that will be very easy to hold down with a few screws. Also, we will have the center of the wood facing up, meaning less sapwood, better color, harder and usually fewer knots.

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#5 ·
I'm with Tage Frid on "proper" technique. I glue my panels based on appearance rather than the "alternating growth rings" theory.

If you can force the panel flat easily by hand, the frame will hold it fine. Don't worry.

Resawing can (and often does) expose moister wood in the center of the board-which often causes the resulting board to cup, as the now exposed moist wood dries out. Acclimating will help.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the responses. I'll look at weighing down the panels and clamping next time. It was hot in the garage shop as it always is, maybe that contributed to the bowing. I know that alternating rings is the proper way to glue, but appearances outweighed that.
 
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