Space balls & raise panels

[RALPH WERNETT]

My thoughts on using space balls spacers.  They recommend using 2 each on all four sides, my grove is 3/8 x 1/4 and they recommend allowing 3/16 + per side, which doesn't leave a lot of meat on the bone... My thoughts would be to not use the space balls on the sides and just allow the normal space 1/8 +/- per side and just use the Space balls on the top and bottom with 3/16 allowance, knowing there isn't any movement on the top and bottom to speak of, but it would serve the purpose of keeping the panel from any rattles.  I would make the panels as if I wasn't using the spacers and then just trim the top and bottom for their clearance so the reveal is the same on all four sides.   
So if any has done this or have other thoughts on this - I'm open to someone that has been there and done it.

 

[John Beauchamp]

Space balls are a proven system that keeps the panel centered in the frame. Not understanding why you would want to change that.

 

[stvrowe]

I used to use space balls until I found Panel Buddies.  They are much easier to handle and don't roll all over creation when you drop them.  They also are much more compressible.

 

[semenza]

  I use space balls in a 1/2" groove all the way around.  In any case if you use them only on two sides I would think it would be better on the sides since that is where most of the movement will be. But then of course the panel may drop down with nothing to keep it centered top to bottom.

    I think you will be OK with 3/16" all around if they are assembled during a very low moisture / humidity time. That way the panels won't shrink much more at all.

Seth

 

[RALPH WERNETT]

Part of my thoughts is I rather have open space (no spacers) on the sides for the most movement (RH is 40% in my shop) and use the spacers on the top and bottom  to keep it center and prevent rattles, seeing gravity is always at play there. As long as there is some pressure on the top and bottom, the panel should stay center or can be centered at any time.  Most of the panels are under 15" in width - I just don't want to over expand the side with having the space balls there seeing they are already compressed in the glue up. 

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Great movie.

 

[Grasshopper]

May the schwartz be with you  ;D

Great movie.

 

[elfick]

What you got is what we need and all we do is dirty deeds, we're the Spaceballs, watch out!

 

[RALPH WERNETT]

Was and still is a great movie....
I just assembled 20 cabinet doors after doing a sample door with just using the space balls on top & bottom (none on the sides) - I like the idea of holding the panel in place without have any restriction on the sides where it would expand  (3/8" grove) -  when assembling the doors.    What I find is to tighten one of the rails across the bottom,square to the stile and then I use one or two clamps to compress the rails 3/16 to 1/4  of an inch and check the distance to keep them parellel to each other and then I would tighten the other clamp across the upper rail.
I also prefinished the edges of the panel before assembly. I can also with some pressure move the panel if need be.
I just though also using the space balls on the side with a 3/8" grove is not  enough meat on the panel to allow the use of the spacers.

Ralph