Epoxy? for split in an entry door's raised panel

Cut out the split with a router and straight guide. Taper
the sides with a chisel slightly or use a tapered router
bit. Make a corresponding side- tapered filler strip, glue
it in, shape, fill, and repaint.

It would take me less than an hour with the door in
my shop.

By your description it sounds like the panel is cracked clean through.
When you mention opening or widening the crack, are one or both pieces able to move somewhat freely by hand? If not, do not open or widen the crack.
It by your description of having to tape the back side is it because the crack is that wide, or the anticipation of opening the crack? If its just cracked clean through and you can feel air movement through the crack then its a simple fix.
If its clean through just set the door on saw horses and with a shop vac from underneath drawing air it will suck the glue through the crack sealing the crack with glue to repair the crack. Wipe off excess and rehang the door. Quick and simple repair.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

Ok, yes the crack or split is clean through, well maybe not clean but defiantly all the way through and open by a noticeable amount. The panel must have had some adhesion issues because of the painting and parted along a weaker grain or perhaps an original glue joint. Did not get a real good chance to poke around the door as there was about 60 people there including about 20 of the little people running in and out to play.

Loren, If I follow you properly, I believe you would be making a filler strip that is basically wedge shaped, yet four sided. I wonder now why that train of thought did not come down my one track brain.

Gregn, The reason I mentioned opening or widening the split is that they have not been in the house too long and I do not know if the crack had been previously repaired or has dirt etc. embedded within. I had noticed where people used epoxy to fill loose knots splits and the like. I guess I thought glue would require clamping as the split is open perhaps =/- 1/16” or so.

Two very good approaches and two very good reasons to ask for opinions. I have the straight guided router set up and the bits. I also have glue and a shop-vac. Epoxy as used in this instance would be a new adventure for me, perhaps one best left for something I am doing for myself, hey we all make mistakes but I make more than most.

Thank You for the insight into alternative methods, depending on their schedule I’ll likely attempt this on the weekend, so I have a bit to consider.

Can you put a nail or screw through each side of the split panel and draw it back together with a clamp across the nails on either side. If so glue the split draw it back together remove the nails/screws fill the holes and repaint the door.

-- Save lives, ease suffering, reduce morbidity and mortality, stomp out pestilence and disease, postpone the inevitable, and fake compassion. The Paramedics Creed

It’s a luthier method, more or less. Old guitar tops crack
and they don’t sound good when they do.

If it were a piece of antique furniture I’d say leave it alone
because the crack will close when it finds its way to a
less dry climate. But in a painted door the crack is an
annoyance and worth fixing for a number of reasons.