Door Panel Spacers

[Mike Goetzke]

I have built quite a few doors but I'm not a pro. I'm working on the design of a bathroom vanity that requires a few doors. I have used space balls and Panalign strips and need to purchase more. I have even seen some use 1/4" OD silicone tubing.

1) Since I'm looking at purchasing more wondering what others use most.
2) I have a cabinet design software and it defaults to 1/8" gap on the sides of the panels but I think I have been using 5/32". Please share what you use.

Thanks

 

[peter halle]

Maybe @tjbnwi can share what they use?

 

[Packard]

I used window screen spline. Cut it is small pieces and insert in the groove.

Note: The spline comes in many diameters. And unlike space balls, they don’t disappear if you drop a few.

 

[tjbnwi]

I have used both Spaceballs and Panalign, the advantage to Panalign is you’re not chasing the across thew floor when they fall off the bench.

The 1/8 is to tight, one unit of the spacer you choose works.

We now use Panel Barrels;

Cabinet Panel Spacer - RC Rubber Company - Barrel Brand

Tom

 

[Mike Goetzke]

I have used both Spaceballs and Panalign, the advantage to Panalign is you’re not chasing the across thew floor when they fall off the bench.

The 1/8 is to tight, one unit of the spacer you choose works.

We now use Panel Barrels;

Cabinet Panel Spacer - RC Rubber Company - Barrel Brand

Tom

Thanks for all the replies.

So Tom (this is Mike from Orland Park think years ago you lived not too far from me) your saying if I use 1/4" Panalign spacers you provide 1/4" gap on each side of the panel essentially reducing the door width by 1/2"?

 

[smorgasbord]

I suspect if you run the calculations on maximum wood movement across the width of your panel, you'll find that ¼" (that's ⅛" each side) is plenty.

Calculator here: https://kmtools.com/pages/wood-movement-calculator

 

[tjbnwi]

@Mike Goetzke,

Couldn’t find the quote icon….

You are correct, I lived in Cedar Lake Indiana. I have family in Orlando and Tinley. My wife wants to move back home so I’ll be back there in about 18 months.

As I stated, one unit of the spacer. If you’re using 1/4” spacers you would deduct 1/4” not 1/2”.

Tom

 

[tjbnwi]

I suspect if you run the calculations on maximum wood movement across the width of your panel, you'll find that ¼" (that's ⅛" each side) is plenty.

Calculator here: https://kmtools.com/pages/wood-movement-calculator

Figured it out, use the reply icon to quote.

See my response to Mike.

Tom

 

[Mike Goetzke]

Figured it out, use the reply icon to quote.

See my response to Mike.

Tom

Tom thanks for replying. Think we are on the same page. I used the wrong language - my allowances were per side so in the past I have used 1/4" to 5/16" smaller door.