I've attached a picture of a desk that I hope to build. I've drawn the plans (old fashion way) and I've run into a problem. The sides and back will have a panel (curly maple) floating between the top and bottom rails, as well as the legs. Depending on the thickness of the panel and its position, there will most likely be a gap between the doublers and the panel. My question is should I eliminate this gap and therefore glueing the doublers to the panel or should I rely on mortise and tenons (m/t) from/in the lower dividers. I using a book "Practical Design Solutions and Strategies" from FWW as a guide. (p.72)
The legs will be 1 3/4" square which could allow m/t for the doublers.
This will be a fun, challenging project and I look forward to hearing your advice.