Comments on: Chopping Down an Entertainment Center

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:08:49 +0000

I cut the sides after removing the top. I clamped on a board as a guide and then cut it with a circular saw. You can avoid some of the splintering by putting a piece of masking tape along the line where you’ll be cutting. But it’s no big deal if you get a little splintering near the edge since the trim covers it.

By: Beth

Beth — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:05:15 +0000

LOVE IT! A widescreen is on the horizon, and turning my entertainment center into a new lower usable stand was always in the back of my mind. Your entertainment center looks to be very similar to mine. The difference is that mine has a full non-leaded glass door – which should make my life easier to cut down and rework. How and what did you use to cut down the sides? A jigsaw, or a circular saw, or something else? I’m assuming that you left the sides intact and just removed the top. Any hints so there’s no splintering? It appears that the trim around the top will come off easily enough. The top may be attached with screws, which would be the best case scenario. The drawer is a great option. Can’t wait to get started.

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:11:24 +0000

Yes, baskets would be a very nice, and flexible solution.

By: pat hintz

pat hintz — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:40:13 +0000

Inspirational!!! I have acquired a couple entertainment centers from Freecycle and intend to try this. Thank you for posting and answering questions. What a fantastic job!!!! I think I will skip the drawer due to lack of skill on my part and use a couple wicker baskets. The cheater’s solution…

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:55:48 +0000

I had my original sales receipt from the manufacturer and it specified the color of my unit. The name matched that of of a major brand stain available at a local store. I checked it out and it was a perfect match!

It hasn’t always been that easy, though. For other projects I’ve had to take a door or other part to have the stain matched and custom mixed. Fortunately, there is a paint and stain store in my area that has done a fantastic job of that.

By: Paula

Paula — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:05:51 +0000

I’m guessing that you had some spots on the door that had to be stained…how did you match the stain? I’m trying to figure out how to do ours without re-staining, but cutting that door is an issue. Thanks!

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:30:42 +0000

The glass was divided with brass pieces that were soldered together. I did have to unsolder some of the parts. Then I cut them to size with a hacksaw, filed the ends smooth, cleaned them, and soldered them back together with the smaller glass.

By: Kerry

Kerry — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 23:57:52 +0000

How did you go with the leadlight glass? Did you have to reassemble the leadlighting? We have a similar cabinet and the glass is one issue for us – would like to reuse it, but the leadlighting needs to be cut down.

By: Doug Smith

Doug Smith — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:38:29 +0000

Everything appeared to have been nailed together with a nail gun. I pried the trim off easily, starting from the back so it wouldn’t leave any marks that might show. There wasn’t even any glue. Then I tapped under the top with a rubber mallet (and a rag to protect the wood more) and it too lifted off easily. I was careful so I only had to fill a few nail holes when I reassembled it.

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:46:58 +0000

Great job modifying that cabinet.
I would also like to modify my cabinet that is similar to yours. How was the top and molding fastened to your cabinet. I am afraid to start wacking on the top to remove it because I am unsure what I am going to run into. Any comments would help.
Thanks,
Gary