Project help- wood shop questions

Project Talk
1

Hi, I’m new to the maker’s network and have absolutely no experience. I’m hoping to get some crowdsourced insights about the best way to handle a project. I have an oak corner shelving unit that is about 6" too tall for the space I’d like to put it. Based on how the unit is built (glass doors, etc.) it’s not going to work to simply cut 6" off the top or the bottom. So, I’m thinking I need to cut a 6" chunk out of the middle and reattach the two halves. My questions are:

  1. Is that a terrible idea? Is there a better way to approach this?
  2. Does the maker’s network have tools that could help me make 2 perfectly straight cuts through a corner shelving unit? If so, what tools and how do I reserve them?
2

Hey there! I would be happy to help any way I can. Do you have a picture of the shelf?

3

Yes! Here’s a photo (the upper and lower cabinet doors have been removed and I am partway through stripping and sanding to refinish):

IMG_4428
IMG_44281525×2169 204 KB

4

Hi,
I think the easiest and safest tool for you to use is a track saw. The makerspace has one, and I can show you how to set it up and use it.

5

Wow… I don’t think I’ve encountered this before. Questions…

Can I assume this isn’t a family heirloom?

I like Charlie’s idea - a track saw seems like a good way to do this. But it will leave a seam. Have you considered how you will deal with or hide that?

This will also weaken the piece. Any thoughts about how to reinforce it, or join the 2 ends at the cut?

Have you thought about making another one, similar but shorter? It’s more work, I know, but…

6

That would be so appreciated! Just let me know when you’d be free to help me out :slight_smile:

7

Thanks for the reply!

  • Not an heirloom
  • I think the seam is inevitable and I’m OK with that.
  • I have 0 ideas about reinforcing. Maybe braces on the back?
  • Make another one is unfortunately well outside my capability!
8

Are you available around 5pm Thursday? I could meet you then.

9

Also, in my work, I’ve had to cut off tall cabinets and doors that don’t fit using this technique, and it has worked fine.

10

I’m so sorry, I have a standing commitment on Thursday evenings. Is there another day/time that would work?

11

I’m in and out of the space throughout the week. What is your schedule like?

12

I’m free most evenings (except Mondays and Thursdays) and weekends. I have a little bit of work travel coming up (out of town this weekend and again 9/15-9/19) but generally I’m pretty open!

13

I could be available Wed. 9/10 around 6pm.

14

That would be great, see you then!

15

I apologize, but I won’t be able to meet you this evening. I hope this message gets to you in time. I could meet you sometime this Sunday.

16

No problem. What time Sunday works for you?

17

I could do it either at 9a.m. or 4p.m.

18

9am on Sunday would be great! See you then.

19

My suggestion to hide the seam would be to make the cut as close to the bottom shelf as possible. If that doesn’t affect the strength if the overall structure.

20

I am looking for someone to build a "projection window box. It would be like a bow window but with a rectangular plan. I can provide the materials but will pay whatever it costs to build it. I have the financial part taken of but do not have enough time. I can create any drawings that are needed.
Mark - Enhanced LMN member