Larch cabinet fronts

[richard.selwyn]

I've posted this on the other FOG too so apologies to any Felder owners.

I have a commission to build some cabinet doors and drawer fronts out of Larch.  The walls of the rooms have been panelled with horizontal planking of what looks like Siberian larch.  I've got some planks of French larch which seems a fair bit redder - but with fewer nots. ( It is not as nice as North American larch !!)

Anyway, the reason for the post is to ask if anyone has any advice.  I've never used larch - most stuff I do out of hardwood is local oak, but I mainly use panel goods.  The client has said he wants me to choose the style and design for the doors - very flattering I'm sure, but I'm am struggling.  If I can order some larch faced ply in time I might try panel doors with the middle out of ply, otherwise it will be back to the timber yard to buy some more (expensive) kiln dried larch.

I'm need to knock up about 12 doors, the Spa for which they are destined opens in 4 weeks and I'm a one man bend.

Any encouraging suggestions gratefully received (tips on style of door, best construction method, best glue to use)

Thank you all in advance,

Richard.

 

[Guy Ashley]

Hi Richard

It is difficult to get "good quality kiln dried" larch in Europe at a reasonable price so I would suggest you go with the larch ply for the door panels.

If the doors are a standard size I would domino the rails and stiles and have a 6mm central rebate for the ply to fit in. With this arrangement you should not have too much worry about expansion/contraction which you will have with solid wood panels. 

As for the glue I use Titebond I or Titebond III if there is likely to be much ambient moisture. If it is a heavy moisture environment I would go with Cascamite.

If you need to talk it through PM me and I will send you my workshop number in the UK and if the French phone costs are not to high you can call me and chat through any issues.

There are a lot of very knowledgeable guys on this forum so you will get the answers you need.

Guy

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I'd suggest a Shaker style, either class flat panel or with the 15-degree angle (I personally prefer the latter).  Both are classic and "clean"

Examples and bits:
http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/smarthtml/pages/set_shaker.htm

http://www.woodcraft.com/Family/2020264/2020264.aspx

Or simple squared frame & panel (though these can be harded to keep clean in the corners).
These would be the fastest and most straightforward to make.  Heck, you can even make them just with a tablesaw.
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=19207

Since you mentioned it's for a spa, moisture in the air might be assumed.  Use Titebond III or some other water-durable glue (maybe even epoxy).

 

[richard.selwyn]

Thanks for the replies.  I made a first mock-up to show the client today.  I haven't managed to get any larch faced ply yet - there's a three week delay, so I made a solid 10mm panel - OK for small cabinets but I worry about the bigger door sizes.  Any advice on the optimum dimensions for things - I used 65mm wide by 25mm thick stock for the frame with a 7.5mm slot for the panel - and as suggested dominoes (10 X 50)  The door is 400mm wide by 700 tall.

Thanks again
Richard