Lons
Old Oak
When I fitted our kitchen ??? years ago I squeezed in our existing larder fridge and have had no major problems until it started acting up again this week. Having mended it a couple of times in the past wifey declared she would like it replaced so needing brownie points as always, I duly researched and found the grand total of only 2 models available that would fit in the space, both being shorter and priced at £300 and £550. we didn't much like either of them so the only alternative was to cut down the wall cupboard and oak framed doors by 100mm and buy a slightly taller model from a choice of dozens available.
Not proper woodwork or a job I enjoyed but needs must and though it's far from perfect and still some trimming and wall painting to complete a blind man on a galloping horse wouldn't see it and the missus certainly can't.
I didn't take a before photo but this is the wall cupboard with shelves, doors and trims removed. The original fridge was only 20mm short of the cupboard base.
Original door, oak framed with veneered chipboard panel. I initially tried splitting the joints but found that impossible and didn't want to spoil the finish with water or heat so the only option seemed to be to cut it as shown. The Veritas dovetail saw worked well followed by a multitool to cut the panel and then clean out the grooves with a chisel.
I then needed to cut grooves in the oak sections I'd sawn off in order to glue in loose splines so practised on some scrap first. I VERY carefully did this without the guard in place with hands well away from the blade using two push sticks.
Not to be recommended and not something I'd do normally but not worth making a jig or setting up the router table for two 200mm cuts. After gluing up the doors and cleaning up (no pics) I needed to drill new holes for hinges.
Then out came this little jig contraption I've had for at least 40 years. Very simple but clever and versatile I'm surprised it disappeared and only occasionally comes up for sale second hand.. You can easily and accurately make up almost any cupboard to suit door or doors and keep it square while it's screwed together. I've used it hundreds of times. It also makes it simple to fit the hinges to the sides before fitting a back to the carcase.
Cupboard in place on the wall then with the old fridge temporarily in place until the new one arrives on Saturday.
Result is a happy wife, now what can I use those extra brownie points on?
Not proper woodwork or a job I enjoyed but needs must and though it's far from perfect and still some trimming and wall painting to complete a blind man on a galloping horse wouldn't see it and the missus certainly can't.
I didn't take a before photo but this is the wall cupboard with shelves, doors and trims removed. The original fridge was only 20mm short of the cupboard base.
Original door, oak framed with veneered chipboard panel. I initially tried splitting the joints but found that impossible and didn't want to spoil the finish with water or heat so the only option seemed to be to cut it as shown. The Veritas dovetail saw worked well followed by a multitool to cut the panel and then clean out the grooves with a chisel.
I then needed to cut grooves in the oak sections I'd sawn off in order to glue in loose splines so practised on some scrap first. I VERY carefully did this without the guard in place with hands well away from the blade using two push sticks.
Not to be recommended and not something I'd do normally but not worth making a jig or setting up the router table for two 200mm cuts. After gluing up the doors and cleaning up (no pics) I needed to drill new holes for hinges.Then out came this little jig contraption I've had for at least 40 years. Very simple but clever and versatile I'm surprised it disappeared and only occasionally comes up for sale second hand.. You can easily and accurately make up almost any cupboard to suit door or doors and keep it square while it's screwed together. I've used it hundreds of times. It also makes it simple to fit the hinges to the sides before fitting a back to the carcase.
Cupboard in place on the wall then with the old fridge temporarily in place until the new one arrives on Saturday.
Result is a happy wife, now what can I use those extra brownie points on?
