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I will be constructing built in paint grade cabinets for a kitchen. The customer has asked me to match a photo of flat panel half recessed (rabbited edges) doors and drawer fronts with v-grooves on about 4″ centers. I think these panels should be made from sheet goods ,but I am not sure what would be the best material to use. MDF ? MDO ? Off the shelf birch plywood? ( will the v-grooves take paint well?) Hardwood core plywood? Any other suggestions?
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The boards advice convinced me to use MDF for paint grade raised panels. Worked great.MDO and Birch may show the ply layers thru the paint at the v-grooves. I vote for MDF, someone else may know better. Jeff
*MDF would work just fine, it'll machine cleanly, and take paint well. It's dusty to machine so have some sort of dust collection set up. Easiest way (for me, at least)? I'd recommend a dado blade tilted 45 degrees on your table saw. Rip your sheet to panel width (still 8' long). Figure the layout lines for your grooves. Set your table saw fence the proper distance from the blade. Run the material over the blade, then (unless the first groove is centered in the panel) flip it end-for-end, and run it through again. Run your second, third, etc pieces same as the first. Now adjust the fence to the next position and repeat. Adjust fence again if required.You'll have to run a different setup for different width panels. Obviously. Sorry if too basic in nature. Just trying to cut down on future incoming email questions.Once done, cut the 8' lengths to proper panel height.I'd recommend poplar for the stiles and rails.
*Bob, I've got a follow-up, which is probably a waste if my time since it doesn't appear that you ever checked in after your initial post, however...After re-reading your Q, I now interpret it differently. The first time I read it I interpreted recessed panel as a captured panel.On second glimpse I see you're talking about an overlay door, partially inset. If so, NO MDF. I wouldn't recommend it for a couple of reasons. MDF is great for paint-grade panels that are captured in stiles and rails. However, I don't like exposed MDF edges on doors. I like them even less considering you're going to partially inset the door, thus reducing the edge thickness and weakening the strength of the edge even more. MDF does ding somewhat easily on "edge grain."Another problem I have is with the lip...you'll be setting up a stress raiser on the inside corner of that lip. I can easily see the MDF door "delaminating" or splitting right along the lip if gets slammed a few times.MDF also doesn't hold screws tremendously well. Even with predrilling, on occasion the screw (hinge screw into panel edge) can still split the panel. Face mounted hinges would hold okay.So...MDF for captured panels, I vote "yea." MDF for a single-sheet, one panel door? I vote "nay."Sorry for any confusion...
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I will be constructing built in paint grade cabinets for a kitchen. The customer has asked me to match a photo of flat panel half recessed (rabbited edges) doors and drawer fronts with v-grooves on about 4" centers. I think these panels should be made from sheet goods ,but I am not sure what would be the best material to use. MDF ? MDO ? Off the shelf birch plywood? ( will the v-grooves take paint well?) Hardwood core plywood? Any other suggestions?
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