How do I safely cut out the middle piece of wood for my open shelving project without screws, using only glue or an axe?
Asked by Malou Thomsen 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 30, 2024
I’m working on some open shelving and it looks like everything is glued together with no screws. I think it might be for extra support. I’m debating whether to leave it as is or just grab the axe.
The reason the coconut oil is open is because I was in the middle of making bath bombs for the kids. It’s not the edible kind, just for projects and body stuff. And I had to wrap the honey in paper towel because it leaks.
Thanks for all the responses, I’ve never laughed so hard. But hey, I did say I might be the dumbest person you’ve ever met when I started this post!
So, for my first project, I need to cut out that middle piece of wood. Any ideas on what tool to use?
An oscillating tool could do the trick!
Swears by the most adaptable tool in my DIY toolbox.
Do you think that piece is holding the shelves in place? If it is, you might need to consider that when you take it out by possibly adding a smaller support piece underneath.
You need to unscrew it, that’s actually called a filler strip and there should be screws on one end
I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Isn’t it supporting the cabinet?
Versatile tool
I’m not sure what your goal is, but an ax is very versatile. What’s the middle part?
That piece provides support for your shelves, so it’s best not to cut it.
You could use an oscillating saw or a Japanese pull saw, but is there a specific reason for removing it?
By the way, whenever I put in cabinets, I made sure to glue my fillers and wall fillers securely in place with screws
Is this a single cabinet box or two separate ones? Do you need to keep the wall behind the center part intact? If yes, avoid cutting it out. If not, consider using a Japanese pull saw to cut along the seams.
You shouldn’t
If there’s empty space behind and those are two distinct cabinets, it’s likely just a filler piece that can be removed with pin nails or screws holding it from the sides. However, if it’s the middle of a single cabinet, it probably serves as shelf and bottom support so removing it might not be wise. You can use online calculators to determine the maximum span a shelf can have without bowing under weight if you’re interested.
That’s not a good plan.
No content
Firstly..you don’t. That is what is keeping the two cabinets connected.
You do not
Looks like this is spam
‘t take out the screws that are keeping them attached. Check the 3/4” section. It’s known as a filler strip. I’m not sure why you’d want to remove it.
There are probably screws holding it from both sides. Any idea why?
It seems that it screws in from the inside of one (or both) of the other cabinets
Do you really need to take it out? Couldn’t you just unscrew it instead of cutting it?
Showed up here wanting to ask those same 2 questions. 🤦🏻♂️
Is that the center? Or the edges of two cabinets pushed together?
Totally appears as if two are pressed together
Remove the screws from it!
😆😆😆😆😆
But wait, why though?
Why are you thinking about removing the middle part? They were attached together to provide extra stability…just curious 🤔 💭
It’s what keeps your shelves in place.
How about using an oscillating saw?
Love watching YouTube videos! They have so many options, like keeping the middle piece intact to avoid gaps 😉
Are you looking up ‘ways to mess up your cabinets’ or something?
Just a heads up, not everyone lacks innovation or creativity 🙄
If you’re having trouble grasping how taking that out would affect the cabinet, I might not have enough crayons or time to make it clearer for you.
You seem to think you’re better than everyone else, but can’t even figure out how to add a basic header at the top 😄. People with simple minds aren’t usually very creative 😉.
The office manager, , jokingly told the guy to stay away from the field! 😄
No content
Why not try using an axe? The shelves will fall down no matter what. But at least with an axe, you can decide when it happens.
Oh really?
Those are actually two different cabinets. If you remove the middle part, the whole cabinet will be ruined.
While others have addressed the main question, can we take a moment to discuss the fact that this jar is just sitting there without a lid? Or am I just imagining things? I can’t help but keep looking and forming opinions…
Do you know what’s up with the open packet of (seasoning?) next to it?? 🧐
Have you seen the jar of honey with an old paper towel stuck to it?
Hey, , did you notice there’s a Mason jar lid on it without the ring? They usually just rest on top of the jar.
It seems similar to Marshmallow Fluff. Now I’m feeling hungry…
Just a simple knife and fork.
Hey, quick question – what’s the reasoning behind wanting to take out this filler strip? The other part of the cupboard is securely attached to the wall, and it seems like the top is all connected. Just something to think about before moving forward.
SAWING EVERYTHING!
I almost agreed with the second sentence in your post, but then I started reading some of the other comments!
If it were me, I’d opt for an Oscillator; it just seems easier to maintain accuracy when inserting it. A blade with Carbide teeth would likely be my choice.
Make sure to record a video when you give it a try. I’m curious to see how it goes…
I certainly wouldn’t do that.
Ignore what these homeowners are saying. That’s a specific design choice to conceal the cabinet joints. You definitely shouldn’t remove that.
Hey , also known as “Stile”
That particular cabinet is American-style, where the frame secures the door and is essential to the cabinet structure. In contrast, European-style cabinets lack the front frame for door support. You’ll have to get new cabinets if you prefer the different style.
It’s not easy, unfortunately. If you need to exclude the center, consider purchasing a new cabinet from a cabinet maker.
Are you planning on leaving the doors off?
Seriously, are you kidding me?
Do you have mold on the side of your honey jar?
Seems like a piece of the honeycomb to me
Oh, honey tends to crystallize over time too…
Definitely, it does!
It seems like the side of the jar was sticky, so they used a paper towel to hold it, and part of the towel ended up stuck on the jar, .
To me, , it appears to be a strip of tape.
I believe that’s paper towel stuck on there, .
It’s on the outside of the container and it’s a paper towel that got stuck to the jar, most likely due to dripping honey, and then was peeled off.
Mold can’t grow on honey. Honey is the only food in the world that never goes bad. It’s a natural antibiotic and antifungal. If it crystallizes, just add some water, heat it up, and stir. It’s excellent for bug bites and infections. 😀
It’s a paper towel.
Opt for a track saw and then complete the cut using a multi saw
Make sure you remove the screws too, don’t forget
Not a great deal. Do you mind sharing why? Feel free to do whatever you please. However, if you’re seeking some advice, please explain why. It seems like there’s a gap between the two cabinets, with a piece of wood used to match the counter length. That’s my guess.
Hey , if there’s a gap in the back, top, and bottom, then you’re right that it’s not structural. Am I mistaken?
Discover the art of using a chainsaw for detailed tasks
Let’s assume you’re wondering how to cut the top horizontal piece so the vertical support can fit snugly. The most effective method would be utilizing a table saw with a dado blade.