Building a solid Mahoghany entry door, any tips?

[rgramjet]

Im having my cabinet maker build a solid mahoghany entry door for a client. Nothing special just a raised panel with a fan lite at the top. He wants to use biscuts to join the rails and stiles. How does this wood hold up compared to an oak? Whats the best finish to put on? Exterior will be stained, interior will be painted.
Thanks in advance,
Roger

[Rich]

Hmmm.. doing through this very thing on my current project. Biscuits? IMO there isn't enough glue surface with just biscuits. Why not do a more traditional stile and rail door? Or mortise and tenon if it's a simpler style door.

[Dragon]

I agree with Rich on this one.

Biscuits are handy and have their uses, but an entry door isn't one of them.

[Tom R]

I'll take a guess and say if the guy's a cabinetmaker, I'm sure (hopefully) he knows what he's doing, - - it's probably not a 'cope and stick' style door, and he's probably just using the biscuits more for alignment and lateral-strength purposes. Can't say I know offhand the best finish to use, - - but if it happens to be getting a full-view storm door the heat generated from the glass would make it that much more critical. If I get some time (which has been real scarce lately), I'll try and look up some info on what's best.

[Dragon]

Mortise and Tenon then doweled is best.