Expert: Jamie Yocono - 8/21/2008

Question
Dear Sir,
I'm purchasing a new refridgerator that is 68 3/8 inches tall, which has to go in a space under a built-in cabinet. Measuring from the floor to the bottom edge of the cabinet, I have only 68 1/4 inches. Is there a method or tool that I can use to shave off the 1/4 inch needed to allow the fridge to fit?
Thank you for your help!!

Answer
Janie,

If your cabinets are traditional face frame cabinets, meaning they have a 1 x 2 frame of wood on the face of the cabinet boxes, it might be a really simple thing to shave the face frame down that 1/4".

There are basically two types of kitchen cabinets - faceless and face frame. Faceless cabinets have no front edge; the front edge of the cabinet box is the front finished edge of the cabinet. Face frames, like I said, have a 1 x 2 frame. It might be possible to pull off the bottom member of the frame, where it gets in the way of the fridge, and cut it narrower on a table saw.

Without a table saw, you could try a portable power planer, which acts much like a hand plane, only without all the sweat! Here's what one looks like:  

http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-3365-5amp-Planer/dp/B00004TRCS

It looks more complicated than it really is, it's pretty simple to use.

You could also try a circular saw or a jig saw, to cut that 1/4" off. But those often will give you a wobbly cut, depending on your skill level.

Or you might even try a router with a straight cutting bit, but if you use a router, you'll need a straight edge to run the router base against, so you get a straight line.

My best suggestion is to try and take off the bottom part of the face frame (if there is one) and cut it on a saw, so get a nice straight edge.

I have a suggestion - if you don't have a saw, try taking it to a local high school's woodshop and ask the teacher to cut it. I used to teach, and many times, people would wander in asking for a favor. A dozen doughnuts goes a long way!

If that isn't possible, write back and tell me your city and state, and I'll try to recommend a woodworker in your area. I have a directory of woodworkers in an organization that I belong to called the Furniture Society. Maybe I'll be able to help you by giving you a name and number.

Good luck!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com