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

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Misha70 

Nice idea and love the reuse of a corner unit!

Pretty much I am thinking along the lines of @JacobZ's suggestions.

I would add a lip to the bottom inside of the cabinet (right angle piece of metal actoss the width) so the doors close up against it, but mainly to seal the inside so rain on the doors flows down the outside and then wants to curl under the door itself, with that small right angle piece it wont be able to endet into the libary box.

The right angled metal I am think of is something like this Metal Mate 12 x 12 x 1.4mm 3m Aluminium Equal Angle - Silver 

Dave

[AlanM52]

Hi Misha70,

RE: JacobZ - Is it possible to get some photos showing the inside of the doors? 

And also a front photo with the doors open.

I'll go with the first thought that came into my mind.

Cut out the 'decorative panels' with a jigsaw and install acrylic sheets behind them.

If you decide to take that path come back and ask the team guys for a suitable sheet.

(Simply measure the cabinet front for the approx size)

We can then provide more info on how to proceed.

Cheers

[Misha70]

Thankyou @Dave-1 

Not a bad score for a roadside throw away. Like the saying goes one person trash is another treasure 

Thanks for your tip regarding the right angle metal

[Misha70]

  

[Misha70]

Once again Thankyou for the great advise @JacobZ 

It appears to be just a panel that can be removed.

In regards to your recommendation of acrylic - how would you cut this down to size as door panel is 20cm wide and 90cm long

Would perplex work as well? And if yes does Bunnings sell this?

[EricL]

Hello @Misha70 

I recommend having a look at the Palclear 900x600x3mm PVC Sheet Suntuf 171868. The clear panel can be cut down using a small handsaw. The clear sheet can be screwed onto the timber frame by carefully drilling mounting holes in the sheet. My best advice is to drill slowly and carefully to prevent splitting the panel. Another method is to use timber strips to hold the clear sheet in place.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Misha70]

Thankyou @AlanM52  I did post some photos below but I forgot to tag you 

Thank you for your advise