Depth of groove

[Foggy]

Hi,

I am making a Toy Box approx 800 * 400mm

The frame is made from 18mm Pine.

I will fill the frame with a 6mm MDF panel.

What depth should I make the grooves in the frame to accept the 6.0mm panel.


Best Wishes


James.

 

[custard]

James, because the MDF panel won't expand or contract with seasonal changes to humidity levels, you don't have to make the grooves very deep at all, 6mm would suffice. Furthermore you can glue it in place which would add a lot of rigidity to the construction.

 

[Foggy]

Thank you.

When calculating the size of the panel should I leave a gap? Say 1mm or so all around.

Best wishes.

James

 

[dzj]

I'd make the groove ~10 mm. Glue the panel and leave a bit of a gap. It'll be easier to square the frame when gluing up.

 

[Jacob]

Rule of thirds? 6mm but plus 2 for clearance = 8mm

 

[Foggy]

Thank you.

I appreciate the assistance.

Best wishes.

James.

 

[monkeybiter]

Is it a good idea gluing the MDF to the Pine when one may move but the other will not?

 

[dzj]

Is it a good idea gluing the MDF to the Pine when one may move but the other will not?

The amount of movement is miniscule and can be disregarded.
Gluing such a panel is common practice when doors are made with a rail & stile router bit set.
(The groove these cutters make, btw, is 10 - 12mm deep)
The frame would soon fall apart if this wasn't done, because there'd be only a stub tenon at each corner that holds the frame together.

If it is a wooden panel, then it should not be glued and the tenons should be made longer.
Either with a Domino type machine, or better still, in the manner of a traditional mortise/ tenon.