How to upcycle cabinet into street library?

Misha70

I am wanting to make this cabinet into a street library.

I will sand back and repaint.

Looking to remove the inner panels on front cabinet doors and was hoping to replace with a semi thick clear plastic (not sure of the name) or even if it can be done.

Any recommendations much appreciated 

Photo 1 - is the cabinet I want to make over

Photo 2  - to show the style of door I am wanting to do

JacobZ

Hi @Misha70,

What a fantastic little project. I always love seeing these street libraries when I am out and about.

Is it possible to get some photos showing the inside of the doors? 

I want to try and establish whether the pieces I have placed arrows on are the main structure of the door, and the inlayed piece is a backing sheet that could be removed, or if we would need to cut out the inlay with a router.

If it is a backing sheet, you may be able to just pry it off with a claw hammer, pry bar or chisel. Once removed, you could attach a piece of clear acrylic to the back of the door frame using some short button head screws, ensuring you predrill the acrylic to prevent cracking.

If it is not a backing sheet and it can't be pried off, a router with an inverted trimming router bit is going to be the best way to remove it. You would start by drilling a hole in the inlay that is big enough to stick the router bit through. Then, you would insert the router bit, running the guide wheel (see below) along the edge of the timber to follow the line of the timber. Once cut out, you can then attach the same clear acrylic to the back of the door using the same method.

This method would give you a nice, clean finish for your free community library.

Allow me to tag @Noyade, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 to see if they have any other ideas on how you could attack this project.

Jacob