Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Oct 04, 2003 03:01pm | #1

   Tim,

   In my days as a carpenter I faced this problem all the time ( luckily those days are behind me).

   I’ll use a closet shelf as an example. I use to cut the shelf to about ½ -¾ inch longer than the opening, and then place the shelf in the opening, of course it will have to be angled, since it is too long. Scribe one side as usual and cut and check the fit. Once that side is okay, then carefully measure the opening at the front and back, using a folding wood rule with the extension or a pair of sticks pushed to opposite sides and marked where they cross. Another way is to slide a rule like that from a combination square to one side and then take a tape and measure from the other side to the rule, and note the measurement, then when laying out just add whatever length the rule is to your tape reading. To make a long story short ( it’s too late for that) you want a precise measurement of the opening. Mark these measurements on the shelf and then angle it in the opening with the uncut edge down against the surface your fitting to, and set your scribes to hit the marks you made. Cutting to this line should give you a perfect fit. Sometimes and thankfully this is rare, the opening will be larger at the rear  than it is at the front, making it difficult to get the shelf in. You may want to post this question at the Fine Home Building site, since I’m sure there are people there who could give you more ideas.

                                             Rob Millard

2. 
   lostarrow | Oct 04, 2003 11:55pm | #2

   Tim--

   Like Rob said "those days are behind me now" . I pretty much did the same as he did when fitting a closet shelf 10 or 12 inches wide.  That method didn't always work for wider stock like 24 or 30 inch wide counter tops or desk tops that had to be fit in an alcove. For those situations I usually made a template out of what ever was handy,1/4" ply or cardboard ,builders felt, to fit the opening and then placed the template on the counter top, traced it and cut away.

   Be not afraid of going slowly.  Be afraid only of standing still.   chinese proverb
3. 
   mike4244 | Oct 05, 2003 08:30pm | #3

   Tim, I do it Robs way for the most part. If the top is long I use a story rod and rule. If the top has a backsplash, then scribe and cut as usual but the top has to go straight in. I cut two spreaders to slightly bow the walls first. Protect the walls with flashing or scrap formica, then measure the distance between walls and add a 1/4" or so.I also ease the sides with a block plane or a belt sander. Leave the front edge square.Try to go in evenly as possible.With alcove cabinets do the same thing unless the scribe strips are removable. If they are, then do one at a time. Scribe first one and slide cabinet and check fit. Then measure width of second scribe strip, remove cabinet and install both pieces. Two 3" taping knives come in handy to shoehorn cabinet into opening.

   mike

4. 
   ron61 | Oct 05, 2003 09:06pm | #4

   For the Top -How about making a Templet to fit the top?

    take like 3 sections of cardboard that will over lap  on each end of the middle section -

   scribe the ends to fit the wall on each end - cut them and get the fit you want - place them back up the the walls and tape them to the middle section and you have the templet just be sure you to keep the front straight like the front of the top.

   I guess you could do the same for the cabinet but you need room to slide it back in the hole. If the walls turn in at the front of the opening or a bumpy wall it wont work.

   What we do is make the cabinet 1/4 smaller than the opening and use a flat molding to cover the gap. Even with the 1/4 in. sometimes its a pain to get them back in the opening.

   Now what would get a good fit on the Cabinet is to build it in place like they did in the old days.

   Ron

   Who Ever Has The Biggest Pile Of Tools When You Die Wins