Print this Page with Adobe Acrobat. 

Making Raised Panels with a Vertical Raising Bit

NOTE: 
1. Vertical raising bits cannot be used to make arched top panel doors. 
2. Vertical panel raisers are ideal for low horsepower routers (1 HP). Cutting with vertical panel raisers requires less horsepower and the smaller diameter of the bits means that the router can be run at high speeds, 20,000 RPM - 22,000 RPM.
You can figure the size of your raised panels much the same way as figuring rail & stile dimensions.

By predetermining the dimensions, we can cut the panel to size prior to making the raised panel and be assured that it will fit properly. It really becomes simple after you have made up a couple of doors.

Start cutting raised panel in a series of cuts getting deeper on each pass. Continue cutting until the edge of the panel slips into the profile cut of the rail & style pieces without binding. This panel must have room to expand in the slot to allow for seasonal changes in the wood itself.

I normally use 5/8" thick material for raised panels, but if you wish you can use up to 3/4", but you will have to do a relief cut as shown below on the back of the panel to allow it to fit. 

The easiest way I have found for raising the panel safely and smoothly is to take shallow cuts. Cut raised panel to final depth in a series of deeper cuts until edge of panel fits into rail & style without binding. Remember, the edges need to be just slightly smaller than the 1/4" in the profile cut, so when getting close, sneak up on the final cut.

Never glue the panel into the rail and style. Simply slide it into place, glue up the rails and styles, leaving the panel float within its frame. A small brad on the top and bottom on the back of the door will keep it from shifting  to achieve a rattle free panel.

Finishing

This seems to be the area where most beginning woodworkers have the most trouble. The panel’s edges, especially the end grain must be sanded to perfection at this point. Any roughness left here will be guaranteed to show up in the finished product. A rough raised panel will catch dust and be difficult to clean. It will also catch lint from the dusting rag. Believe me, it will come back to haunt you.

I use both mechanical sanders, such as a random orbit sander as well as considerable hand sanding on the edges of these raised panels. When using a random orbit sander, be careful not to round over the detail edges of the panels. After I am satisfied that the panel is the very best I can get it, I will then stain the panel prior to constructing the door. This will insure that the stain will cover the edges of the panel completely, thus assuring against that unstained line that is sure to appear when the panels change size with the humidity. Be sure to allow the panel to float in the frame. This is necessary to insure against splitting. A brad will hold a loose panel in place.