Attention:  Makers of solid panel cabinet doors

The inexpensive solution to your age-old problem.
• Compresses if panels expand
• Stops panel rattle
• Helps eliminate cracking glue joints

Space Balls are used in the manufacture of solid wood panel doors.  They easily install into the stiles and rails, with a fiction fit, insuring that they will not fall out during assembly.  Once in place standard door construction is continued. 

Space Balls keep the door panel centered.  No more problems with unsightly reveal lines if the panel moves during the finishing process

Space Balls will compress and expand.  They are made of a rubber material that has a memory, returning to it's original round shape.  Space Balls will float and center door panels during seasonal humidity changes.

Space Balls also eliminate annoying panel rattle.  Panel rattle occurs when the panel becomes smaller with drier humidity conditions.  This shrinkage will allow the panel to shift and move in the frame making a rattling sound.  When Space Balls are incorporated in the door frames, panels are cushioned and always floating, avoiding panel rattle.

Space Balls will also solves the problem of cracking glue joints.  During times of humidity changes, if a panel door is made too tightly or the door is pinned to secure the panel, wood movement will cause stress and cracking on the glue joints .  Space Balls will expand and contract with wood movement protecting glue joints.

The recommended amount of Space Balls per door is 8 to 10.  Space Balls are 0.26" diameter - fit standard stile and rail cutters.

Installation Directions:

Space Balls need a minimum spacing of 5/32" per side. If you cut your stiles and crossers, as you would normally do for your panel doors......then cut your panels
5/32" smaller on all sides, this will leave the minimum space for proper installation and the Space Balls will be able to expand and contract as needed. Please Note: If you are using a curved bottom dado slot this spacing must be increased to a minimum of 7/32" on all sides.

We recommend 2 balls per side ( possibly 3 if the door is very tall or wide). The Space Balls will be compressed when the door is assembled and will expand and
compress with the movement of the wood.

It is advisable to keep the humidity content of the wood under consideration when constructing your doors.

• Flat Bottom Dado Example - if the Rail measures 10-1/2" the panel should be 10-3/16"
• Curved Bottom Dado Example - if the Rail measures 9" the panel should be 8-9/16"

FAQ's

Q - How much space should I leave around my panel?
A - A minimum 1/8 of a inch is suggested per side and top and bottom. During the drier time periods you could allow for an additional 1/16". This would allow even more expansion space if the panel is exposed to excessive or extreme humidity changes.

Q - How many space balls per door?
A - We suggest two balls per side, and top and bottom.  If the door is extra wide we suggest putting 3 space balls in the top and bottom rails.  This would allow for the additional weight of the panel.

Q - How should the space balls be spaced?
A - We suggest that they are equally spaced across the stile and rail.  Some designer/builders have also placed the space balls closer to the corners.  Either placement works well.

e154