kitchen cabinet faceframe

[helimech]

Need some advice on the best tool or method to trim the sides of my oak faceframe cabinets. I need a new refrigerator and the opening between the wall and the cabinets is 35 1/2 inches. The new refrigerators I have looked at are 35 3/4 inch wide. I don't want a 33 inch model. I was thinking about removing the cabinets and trimming approx. 1/16 inch of the edge of the face frame. Six cabinets trimmed 1/16 on each side will gain me 3/4 inch total when reassembled back together. The trimmed edges need to be straight and accurate because they butt together. I know its alot of work, but I don't want to modify the wall.

 

[BrianKiernan]

Is there a filler piece in the run?

Otherwise you need to clamp a straight egde to the cabinet and use a circular saw with a 40 tooth finish blade. Put painters tape on the face of the cabinets to protect the finish and from chipping on the cut.

That is a ton of work, but

Good Luck

Post a picture or 2 of the area maybe there are other options

 

[inspectorD]

Use a hand plane...the old fashioned way. I would stay away from the circular saw unless you are a real pro.

 

[user 4883]

How about a dremel router?

 

[thsmartwaytoremodel]

I agree hand plane is the best I would use a n0. 4 but the problem is you have to get the cabinet off the wall. I think a better application would be to scribe a line on the cabinet and use a belt sander perpendicular to the face frame and slowly take it down to the line. I would also be prepared with a scribe molding just to cover up the joint between the refrigerator and the cabinet.

Good luck.