Existing Cab mod ??? Can I even cut this?

[jimfath]

I have an existing MDF cab. It was built by someone specifically to house a 27" CRT television set. I recently upgraded the tv to a 27" LCD and have GOBS of empty space now. I'm wondering if I could modify the cabinet to make it less deep? I'm torn between modifying this cab or building a new smaller one from scratch.

I'd have to relocate some of the bolts that are currently holding the top on. It comes apart as I move a lot for work.


Aprox 29" wide 74" tall and 41" deep

[jmike]

I would be careful. The front might be too heavy and fall forward if you make that cut. (that control panel is huge)

[Vigo]

If that is all dead space back there, then I think you can get away with it.

I would be careful. The front might be too heavy and fall forward if you make that cut. (that control panel is huge)

I don't think this will happen in your case. From that photo, it looks like the bulk of the control panel is seated right above the cabinet base rather than floating on the side of the frame. It could be camera deception though. If you do have a balance issue, you could throw a cinder block or some sort of weight inside the back of your cabinet. Not a pretty fix, but it is what tv manufacturers often did to balance front heavy CRT TV's.

[TopJimmyCooks]

That is a really nice looking cab, I would cut it down if it works for you in other ways- cp, display, etc. It woudn't be that hard.  lay out the cut lines while assembled, take it apart, cut both top and bottom, re route for T mold on the back edges,  then square it up, add whatever reinforcement or new back panels that are required. 

The main difficulty would be if there is a glued in shelf in the area of the cut - but you can cut or take that out prior to cutting the sides if needed.

If those sides are laminate you will have better results cutting with a router and straightedge rather than a saw. 

You could also check with northcoast and see what they say - if anyone has done it before, or if they know of any concerns to look out for. 

[jimfath]

...From that photo, it looks like the bulk of the control panel is seated right above the cabinet base rather than floating on the side of the frame... you could throw a cinder block or some sort of weight inside the back of your cabinet.

Yes, the majority of the CP is resting on the cabinet directly over the Keyboard tray. I need to redo the CP top as well. Too many holes.

The main difficulty would be if there is a glued in shelf in the area of the cut - but you can cut or take that out prior to cutting the sides if needed.

If those sides are laminate you will have better results cutting with a router and straightedge rather than a saw. 

You could also check with northcoast and see what they say - if anyone has done it before, or if they know of any concerns to look out for. 

There are no glued parts anymore. I had to take it completely apart to move it to CA. It's all butt-joined with angled countersunk screws.   

The design is a wider version of Northcoasts. It's 29" wide as opposed to 26" to accomodate for the larger screen. I'm hoping that adds to the stability. It also has no backboard which I plan on adding for weight. I'm not above putting a weight in the back of the cab either. Ghetto rigging sometimes is what it takes.

Thanks for ideas and direction. I'm going to get some tools and redo try to redo this guy. I've not cut wood since shop class in high school so I've been trolling about on this site a lot for affirmation.