I am considering adding full-length pull-out shelves in some of my kitchen cabinets, and this will require cutting out the center stile. I've seen advice elsewhere online about shoring up the top rail with a full-length strip of half-inch plywood on the inside, to distribute any central loading to the end stiles… but I have not found any advice on how to competently cut the center stile so that
(a) the cuts are flush to the top and bottom rails
(b) but without marring the top and bottom rails.
About the only idea I have is to make my cuts a little proud from the rails, and then sand down to flush. I guess this is OK as long as my rails aren't veneered… I don't think they are, but i'm not positive.
Can anyone recommend a technique, or else a tool that is perfect for this task?
Kitchens – How to cut center stile from cabinet
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Best Answer
Definitely cut the stile so as to leave a bit of wood behind on the cabinet. Then using a sharp blade and a straight edge, score the veneer. Many shallow passes are better than few deep ones. If you can cut all the way through, you can probably remove the veneer before you attempt to sand down the stub.
And if you are careful to not muck up the stile too much then you can attach it to one of the cabinet doors.