Doors for bookcase

[John15]

Hi Everyone,

I'm nearing the end of building a bookcase - it has taken me several months. It's in 19mm American Cherry 1800 x 750 x 275mm. The work outstanding are the doors for a cupboard at the bottom. Each door will be 335 wide x 455 high . I'm uncertain about making these doors as I've never tackled any thing like it before.

I want to make the frames from 19mm thick Cherry which I'm happy about doing but I'm unclear about the infill panel which I plan to make in 19mm and chamfered to fit in a groove in the frame. The hinges will fix to the 19mm facia.

I would be very grateful for any tips you can give me, particularly for fitting the panel. Also what gap should I leave around the doors?

Regards,

John

 

[chippy1970]

Depends what tools you have. If you have a router in a table then get a t & g cutter set. They are great for making frame/panel doors.

 

[John15]

Chippy,
I have a router but don't have a table.
John

 

[RobinBHM]

A bit tricky to make without a router table. A table will allow you to do the scribe and profile as well as the fielded panels.

Do you have a drill press? If so you could drill the stiles accurately, clamp the stile and rail to a flat board and screw together. Done carefully it is very effective, although you would then need stopped grooves for the panel. Whichever way you do it, you will prob need a belt sander to flush the joints. Or hand plane of course

 

[John15]

Thanks Robin and Chippy. As they will be quite small doors I guess I can plane the chamfer - I have plenty of time!. Also I should be able to cut the grooves with my hand-held router (I think).

Cheers,

John