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<DIV><FONT size=3><STRONG>: Yes, Someone feel free=
to correct me if I'm wrong (I know you will) but I believe there is mo=
re glue surface area. Just tapping the pieces together dry will hold them to=
gether somewhat, not so with a butt joint obviously</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3><STRONG> I've handled many panels of d=
ifferent species of spruce & have had butt joints crack especially after=
drying. Wood tends to do what wood does, bend, twist, etc., especially at t=
he edges & butt joints seem to be especially susceptible at the edges. T=
hat being said there is nothing wrong with a butt joint when good joinery, a=
dequate glue and clamping pressure is used.</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3> Also Sitka panels are not as floppy=
(Usually) as say softer eastern spruce or engleman.</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT size=3> Dale</FONT></STRONG></DIV>
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2px solid">
<DIV><FONT size=3>Are you suggesting tongue & groove edge joints make =
for panels that are stronger than those with a good butt joint? If so, why?<=
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<DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Terry Farrell</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>F=
rom:</B> <A title=mailto:Erwinspiano@aol.com href="mailto:Erwinspiano@ao=
l.com">Erwinspiano@aol.com</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A title=mailto:pianotech@ptg.o=
rg href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"> </DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000040 size=3>David, =
Sitka panels that are tongue & groove construction such as the ones John=
& Rick Wheeler make are very strong even without ribs. </FONT></STRONG>=
</DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" color=#000040> =
<FONT size=3><STRONG>Dale</STRONG></FONT></FONT><=
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