I have an idea for a hack, however, I'm not too versed in cutting open a piece of IKEA "wood". Is there any place that you're aware of that I can find info on how to cut something in half such as the outer frame of an Expedit bookcase?
Thank you for your help,
Jason
Hi, I cut down my 5x5 Expedit to a 3x5 for my hamster cage (see here: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2009/12/expedit-hamster-home.html ) The inside of the thick frame looks like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29840567@N03/4251532182/in/set-72157623028334679
ReplyDeleteSo what you want to do when you cut down your Expedit is to cut a piece of wood to fit right into the inside and glue it in there with lots of wood glue. Then you have a sturdy side again where you can attach the other frame sides. Preferrably cut down on those sides where the cut will be covered by the other frame. If that is not possible you could salvage the 5mm hardboard from the part you cut off. Eg. I used some of that to cover up the inside of my vent holes like this: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29840567@N03/4250759237/in/set-72157623028334679/ (in my case I just glued it in with aquarium silicone so that it is thight - didn't have to bother with it looking nice because the vent holes were covered with a vent cover anyway.
PS: I cut the thick sides with a circular saw.
ReplyDeleteI reduced a 5X5 expedit from 185 cm to 165 cm without too many problems but I have no photos.
ReplyDeleteI was inspired by this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Expedit-Bookcase-Size-Reduction/
The link to instructables in Wood's comment gives a very good picture of how Ikea-wood looks in the inside.
ReplyDeleteI've cut various Ikea pieces with a handsaw - it's easy because it's not solid wood. A circular saw works as well, but don't use a jigsaw; it's quite difficult to get it straight on both sides because of the hardboard-cardboard-hardboard sandwich structure. Also, I always strap on a piece of scrap wood to guide the saw, and I put masking tape on both sides of the cut line to avoid scratches.
Since each of those pieces goes "in" individually, not sure how you would do it; the worst time I ever had putting anything Ikea together was my Expedit..but good luck!
ReplyDeleteI cut an expedit on a diagonal to make a desk. Pics here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ikeahackers.net/2010/06/expedit-ed-workspace.html
For straight cuts, it might be workable for the cut side to be the bottom of the piece (with or without some sort of panel or veneer). Otherwise, the best bet is to fill the inside of the hollow section with solid wood to bind the pieces.
If you use a circular saw be sure to use a fine tooth blade so as not to tear up the finish panels too badly. Also make sure that the finish (viewable side) is face down when you cut.
ReplyDelete