Forgot to install your lazy Susan shelf before assembling your corner cabinet? Don’t panic – it’s a common mistake, and fortunately, it’s an easy fix! In this video, Justin demonstrates how to modify a fully assembled pie-cut corner cabinet so you can install the shelf and lazy Susan hardware after the fact.
Key Takeaways:
- Why lazy Susan shelves need to be installed before cabinet assembly
- How to determine if your shelf will no longer fit through the opening
- Using a circular saw and jigsaw to create access
- Tips for safe plunge cuts and clean results
- Proper installation order for upper and lower lazy Susan components
- Common mistakes to avoid during installation
Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, these tips will help you achieve a high-quality result. If you have questions about corner cabinet assembly, accessories, or installation, reach out to your Cabinet Coach or call us at 888-211-6482.
Video Transcript
Introduction
It's a glorious day here at Cabinet Joint. I'm Justin, and in today's video I'm going to be talking about a fix for a pretty common problem.
That problem is this: you have built your corner pie-cut cabinet, but you forgot to install the shelf with the Lazy Susan.
It's a common problem that we run into because this is one of the few times that we need to actually put something in the cabinet before we finish assembling it.
So, if you're watching this video before you've built the cabinet, install the shelf before you build the cabinet fully. We have another video on that.
But say you are in the situation I am in—the cabinet's already built, and we can't fit our shelf through the inner opening.
The simple fix is to cut this top open.
Now, it's uncommon, typically, for there to be a solid top. Just like with any other base cabinet, where they have the two stretchers on the ends, cutting this open isn't going to ruin the structural integrity of it at all.
You can cut this top in a bunch of different ways. Basically, whatever cuts wood, you can use on this. I'm going to be using a circular saw and then a jigsaw to finish and connect the lines.
With that being said, let's get right into it.
Tools & Approach
Like I said, I'm going to be using a circular saw, and I'm just going to ride the plate of the saw against the side of the cabinet here.
Then I'm going to connect those cuts with the jigsaw. You can just use a jigsaw if you want. You can do the exact same thing—just ride the plate of the jigsaw along the sides of the cabinet.
Essentially, just make sure you're not cutting through the walls.
I'd also try to leave at least 1" around the inside perimeter. You just want to make sure that you cut close enough to the perimeter that your shelf will end up fitting inside.
No one will ever see this, so if it's not a perfect cut, no one's ever going to know.
If you're following along with the video and using the same steps, I am using a plunge-cut method with my circular saw. The plunge-cut method is essentially just hinging off the front of the saw's base plate.
Make sure you do that slowly, and make sure you do it carefully. Keep your fingers out of harm's way.
Cutting the Top of the Cabinet
I'm going to do that exact same thing on all the sides, following the sides and using them almost as a guide.
After that, because my blade can't fit all the way into the corner, I'm just going to take my jigsaw and finish those cuts.
Once again, the measurements don't need to be super specific as you're cutting around, but the opening does need to be big enough to fit your shelf.
It is helpful to have a second person. That way, as you're cutting, the top isn't going to fall into the cabinet or pinch your blade. Having a second person to hold it up is helpful.
Once I had it cut out and removed the top, I went ahead and put in both of the Lazy Susans.
When you go to install this, you have to make sure that your bottom Lazy Susan is installed before you put in your shelf. I'm just fitting it here to make sure everything fits, so it doesn't matter—I can take it back out.
But as you're going into installation, just remember that once your middle shelf is in, your bottom Lazy Susan can no longer fit.
The Finished Product & Summary
So, as you go to install, make sure the bottom one is in first.
That is going to be your easy fix. The big idea is that it's not a big deal if you forget. It's an easy solution, an easy cut, doesn't affect the structural integrity of your cabinet, and it just creates one extra step.
If you have any other questions, you can call us at 888-211-6482, or you can reach out to your cabinet coach.
Thank you for watching. Have a great day.
