WV red oak

I love cookies and pie!!

1st you need a matched set of router bits to make the styles & rails for the door (the door frame)
Then a bit to make the raised panel , center of the door. I have a vertical raised panel bit, dry assemble frame & measure for the raised panel:


Raised panel for the door: Glue some boards together, cut to size & rout the raised panel profile on the door.
I use the vertical bit since I have a only a 2-1/4 hp router. (But can get horizontal bits to do various profiles.)


Assemble & glue corners of the frame & one side of the raised panel. Clamp corners.

You definitely want that panel to 'float' in the frame to allow for expansion & contraction during changes in the seasons/humidity.

Excellent work as always Dave! I admire that bench every time you post a pic.

Old raised panel doors in houses,cabinets,hutches etc (my old house still has 8-9) always left panel unglued for seasonal changes.The wood need to 'breathe'.

I put some glue on one side & pull it into the grove.
Here it's so dry in the winter they rattle
Have though about using some clear silicone but never tried it.

Also important to coat both side the same, front got 4 coats & the back got 4 coats.
That way one side don't move more than the other & bow.

Absolutely. You definitely want equal mumber of coats.Outside stuff like decks,certain furniture I dont worry about.Inside things are a different matter.

Very nice.