Can I trim this brace piece to fit another cupboard under the worktop?

[Mander]

My kitchen is a wreck but I want to make some temporary improvements while I save up to gut it and redo. In particular I am thinking about replacing the old under counter fridge and freezer with a combined one.

It just so happens that I have an extra cupboard that isn't attached to anything. It would fit in the right side gap if it weren't for this "brace" of MDF on the underside of the worktop where two pieces join. The brace is 2cm too long to slide the cupboard in.

Assuming it's not glued on as well as screwed in, could I just remove it, trim it, and put it back? And if it is glued, any tips for trimming it in situ?

The cupboard would help provide additional support for the worktop, and I could make some better "props" for the left side. There used to be a glass fronted wall unit on top of the worktop but I've temporarily replaced it with some shelves from IKEA.

 

[aveatry]

Can not really see from the pictures but you say there is a join in the worktop that the Brace supports. But I think it would be easier to cut the 2 cm out of the top of the unit that wont fit. Hand saw - rough cut will not matter as it will not be seen and it wont affect the door either as that front end of the unit is clear of the brace.
Actually you dont need to cut 2cm - you only need to cut the thickness of the brace.

 

[Scally-Ho]

Cut the 'new' cupboard down to be an ultra-tight fit and then that centre support pole can be removed.

 

[aveatry]

Cut the 'new' cupboard down to be an ultra-tight fit and then that centre support pole can be removed.

I think its not the leg support that is the problem as I read it that is coming out to do just as you suggest but he can not get the cupboard in as the "brace is 2 cm too long.
And units arr shorter and you wind the legs up to a tight fit.

 

[foxhole]

Brace seems to be chipboard not MDF? easy to trim that out, multitool best, you could even chop it out with a sharp chisel.

 

[aveatry]

Brace seems to be chipboard not MDF? easy to trim that out, multitool best, you could even chop it out with a sharp chisel.

Yes chipboard. But he will have to work upside down and the disturbance is likely to make a mess of the worktop join on the top. If it is glued espicually.
That's my take on it anyway.

 

[Mander]

Cut the 'new' cupboard down to be an ultra-tight fit and then that centre support pole can be removed.

Yeah the pole is trash, I only put it there when I moved in because I thought the worktop needed support. I don't think I'd need it with the cupboard there.

 

[Mander]

I think its not the leg support that is the problem as I read it that is coming out to do just as you suggest but he can not get the cupboard in as the "brace is 2 cm too long.
And units arr shorter and you wind the legs up to a tight fit.

Maybe "wide" would be a better description? But yes, there's a piece of MDF/chipboard screwed to the underside of the worktop but the gap it leaves on the right is 2cm too narrow to fit the cupboard as is. The pole is going.

 

[Mander]

Brace seems to be chipboard not MDF? easy to trim that out, multitool best, you could even chop it out with a sharp chisel.

I could try that. I'd rather hack that up than try to cut down the finished edge of the cupboard unit.

 

[aveatry]

I could try that. I'd rather hack that up than try to cut down the finished edge of the cupboard unit.

The cut edge wont ever be seen and you can do it easily rather than upside down crouched under the worktop with bits falling in your eyes - ears (experience )

 

[Mander]

Can not really see from the pictures but you say there is a join in the worktop that the Brace supports. But I think it would be easier to cut the 2 cm out of the top of the unit that wont fit. Hand saw - rough cut will not matter as it will not be seen and it wont affect the door either as that front end of the unit is clear of the brace.
Actually you dont need to cut 2cm - you only need to cut the thickness of the brace.

It's a bit awkward to get a good photo, but this is what the underside looks like. The join is about 30cm to the left of the edge of the piece that has been added.

 

[aveatry]

It's a bit awkward to get a good photo, but this is what the underside looks like. The join is about 30cm to the left of the edge of the piece that has been added.

I think I get it, there does not seem to be many screws so there may be glue as well ?
I still say cut the unit down on that side - you only need to cut out the section that will hit the cbrace

 

[foxhole]

Unscrew it first and move it over , unlikely to be glued .