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How to cut shelf to accommodate TV?

Hello Bunnings Workshop,

Can you please provide advice on cutting through the bottom shelf of the below bookcase to fitout in a 55" TV which will be placed on timber bench. I then plan on inserting a vertical panel (from the cutout) to either side of TV to support the bottom shelf.

Thanks in advance.

Shane

Shelf Shelf

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EricL

Hello @ShaneGty

I love modifying shelves and furniture. I propose getting the dimensions of the TV (along with the feet!) and measuring it up against the available space when placed on the timber shelf. Just to be on the safe side add 30mm on each side of the TV to make sure that there is enough wiggle room available. When you have triple checked that there is enough space for the TV and that it will not hit the secondary shelf then you can plan on cutting the bottom shelf.

I suggest using a pencil to draw a cutting guide on the top and bottom of the shelf. I recommend using an IRWIN 185mm Dovetail Pull Saw for a very precise cut on the panel. Take your time as this is a precision instrument and can cut very straight if used properly. I suggest using Hafele 23 x 23mm Angle Bracket - 20 Pack to attach the vertical panels you'll be attaching to the side of the cut shelf. Double check the thickness of the timber of the shelf before purchasing your timber screws. I also recommend using Selleys 250g Liquid Nails Clear Construction Adhesive for a solid attachment.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noyade, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

shelf tv 3.png shelf tv 2.png shelf tv 1.png

Noyade

As always @EricL your schematics are superb.

"plan on inserting a vertical panel (from the cutout) to either side of TV to support the bottom shelf."

But is @ShaneGty wanting the off-cut to make two sides that rest on the woodwork....?

Bookcase Cutout 1.jpg

I could be wrong.

Do you think there would be screws at the back holding the lower shelf?

Hence - for me, I'd be going with with your solution - but I'd take the bookshelf down, undo whatever connections there are and put the bottom shelf through a table saw, sliding drop saw or circular saw - for cleaner cuts and then add that iron-on edging and reassemble.

Dave-1

Good Evening @ShaneGty

🙂 I like your thinking of gaining back space for a screen. I think you might also be loosing the second shelf up from the bench, especially with feet on the tv.

Id actually grab an old cardboard box, flatten it out and draw the size of teh tv on it. Then stand that on your bench and see. It will give you a much more accurate feel of the tv. One thing to keep in mind especially with tight clearences is associated cabling and adding to the cabling at a later date. I have had to mess around trying to replug HDMI cables in, optic fibre channels and sound with very little play in the space.

Heat exiting the tv and rising is another reason to not have the tv set really close to the edges. Its amazing how much warmth a television puts out.

I would consider removing both the bottom shelves (up to the Happy house sign)

When you run associated cabling for DVDs, recorder box, sound between the tv and maybe the lower shelves I would also run a draw wire so it makes it easier to pull through a new cable if needed later on, or populate all the HDMI ports with cables and run them in and then tuck them away that way you shouldnt need to move the tv again.

Because I am proposing removing 2/3rds of that top shelf unit. I would probarlly consider taking it out and chopping it down and then re-install it to make your life easier.

Dave

AlanM52

Howdy @ShaneGty,

Another late arrival to respond...

Bookcase Cutout 3.jpg

I am proposing:

Remove all of the top unit bottom shelf for a simple clean space without distractions whilst allowing airflow behind/across the back of the TV.
Relocate equipment to shelf below.
Cut shelf corner, drop cables.
Bore back corner cable hole.

That will unclutter the left side of the shelf and most of the right when TV is setup.

If that's a Smart Hub just move to the left.

Cheers

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