I am planning on making a pair of glass top end tables and need some advice
on wood movement. I intend to use cherry for the tables. The top will be
1 1/2 by 3/4 with a half inch rabbet to hold the glass.

The inset will be 1/2 inch thick plate glass, about 17 x 19. What I am
looking for is some advice on the clearance I should allow for wood movement
around the glass, which will be sitting on the rabbet . Also, is 1/4 inch
enough to support the glass or should I plan on a thicker top, say 1 1/2 by
1 inch which will give me 1/2 inch on the rabbet?

The glass is heavy enough that it doesn't need anything except its own
weight to hold it in place.

As I'm still a novice woodworker, up to about 50/50 sawdust and product, so
any other suggestions, recommendations are welcomed.

Thanks for your help

Jerry