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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/cabinet sagging/separating from top

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Expert: - 10/10/2011


Question
Hi.  I have a beautiful arched upper cabinet grouping (2 longer outer cabinets, 2 shorter ones in middle, with a decorative arch below)that separates the main kitchen area to a keeping/eating area.  One end meets an outer wall, the other is attached to a tower that contains the double oven unit.

I can see the pegs near the top separating from the roof and outside walls of the inner cabinets, holding the "roof" to the cabinet boxes.  I fear that the whole thing will eventually fall, with the weight of the unit and dishes.  The gap is approx. 1/2 inch, at this point.  

I think I need to screw from the roof, downward, but am not sure if this is the best approach and not sure what the best screws are for this job.  I really don't want to put in supports that sit on the countertop.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi Ali, I would immediately unload the cabinet and take it down to assess the issue...sounds like it is coming apart and could fail...removing it could be tricky depending on the construction and fastening technique used, but it was installed and therefore it can be uninstalled....I would seriously consider having a cabinetmaker or good carpenter in to evaluate the situation and the removal, if you're the least bit unfamiliar with this type of work......a 1/2" gap is cause for alarm, and some skill and knowledge is needed to perform such a repair....hope that helps- Post bak if need be- regards- Greg

Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks

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Greg Scholl

Expertise

Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.

Experience

Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.

Publications
Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")

Education/Credentials
Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.

Past/Present Clients
Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.

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