Panel in a table top

[mleichtle]

My first projects as a wood worker was some boxes, I did a panel design for the top, but instead of insetting the panel I just cut the peices square and glued it all up. The wood wasn't the dryest, cherry, and it didn't take long for the center panel to shrink and leave gaps or fall completely out. I'm building a plant stand and would like to use the same design for the top. I've seen plans that call for plywood for the panel for a smooth surface. Is this my only option? The wood Im using is walnut, and its been in the garage for 3 years, so I think its good and dry. The panel wood be 10" square, I'm going to cut a rabbet to set the panel in. Any advice?

[gmack5]

If you'll just use a small SPOT of glue, centered at either end where the end grain shows on your panel, you'll find that will give it room to "breath", ie expand and contract, from changes in the weather without tearing your box lid apart.

A second method of attaching the Panel to the lid would be to use a pair of splines on the end grain ends of the panel. Just glue the splines into the frame and allow the panel to float free in the grooves on the panel.