Jeb,

You are correct. The edgebanding will be OK on what I will assume will be
the longer dimension of the desk, i.e. long-grain to long-grain orientation.
But as far as the end grain of the cherry top, an edge band would pose a
cross-grain problem and should be avoided, as it (like the MDF we spoke of)
will prevent seasonal movement of the cherry.

If you are intent on covering up the end grain of the cherry top, consider
using breadboard ends, which allow the panel to move as it needs. Check out
the "Projects Gallery" on my site below for an example of breadboard ends on
a cherry table with a 3/4" top. Conversely if what you really want is an
edge banding all the way around the top to give it a look of thickness, i.e.
2 inches, then you may want to use a cherry veneered plywood panel instead
of the hardwood as it would not expand and contract, thus eliminating any
cross grain concerns.

--
Brian
www.wood-workers.com/users/lavoie


"Jeb Sawyer" wrote in message
om...
Glad to know that what I was going to do is a big no-no before I
actually did it. The reason I was planning on adding the MDF is to
increase the rigidity of the table top as I am building it as a desk
for my girlfriend and I have some reservations about 1" cherry being
able to handle the weight over time and not bending in the middle.
But this once again could be my own naivete.

Also, a quick clarification. Are you saying that even on the edge
banding (where endgrain will be joined with long grain) that I don't
need biscuits there either?

Thanks again for your help, you are saving me many headaches and a lot
of money in wood.
-jeb

*However* -- Your description is not entirely clear with respect to how
the
MDF comes into play. I got the idea that you are planing on
"laminating"
the cherry glueup on top of a MDF panel of equal dimensions???? If so,
this
is a no-no, as the cherry will be robbed of its need to expand and
contract
across its grain with changes is seasonal moisture. If the MDF panel is
somehow integral to the design (which I can understand why -- maybe you
can
give us more detail into the piece you are planning), you'll have to
figure
out a way to attach it that will still allow movement of the cherry
panel,
which obviously precludes you from gluing the edge banding to both the
cherry and MDF as well.

Clear as mud??? LOL. Give us somemore detail as to the table design,
and
its intended uses and we can get you rolling in the right direction.
Likely
the 1" cherry top will suffice on its own, and with a properly
constructed
apron & leg assembly will be very solid. If a thick appearance to the
top
is what you desire, the wider edge banding can still be applied to be
flush
with the tabletop, but extend below the bottom edge.

Hope this helps. Good Luck -- Its a great hobby. Welcome to the group.


--

Brian
www.wood-workers.com/users/lavoie


"Jeb Sawyer" wrote in message
m...
Rather new to woodworking, so this may be a simple question. I'm
making a tabletop out of 1" cherry on top of 1" MDF. I am going to
band the table top with cherry also to cover up the MDF. My question
is where do I need to put biscuits? I am glueing together 5 pieces of
cherry for the top, but since it is long grain to long grain is there
still a need for biscuits. And what about the banding on the sides
(with grain running perpendicular) should I be concerned about the
wood expanding and cracking?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeb