Need tips for replacing water-damaged top

scamp

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I recently picked up a Jungle King with a badly damaged top...It looks like the top is sitting in a groove in the sides...The water damage is pretty bad (particle board expanded allot), so I think it is best to replace the piece...

Here is my thought....slice through the existing top with a jig saw to get it out of there....cut a new piece and see if I can pry it into place...

otherwise I could put blocks in the inside of sides and tack the new top into place on those blocks...

any tips or advice would be appreciated...

Thanks!!
 
Normally the side to side pieces on most cabinets (tops, bottoms, monitor shelves, etc.) are slotted into the side pieces. Replacing them are serious pains. The last one I redid (it was a Williams with MDF that went "fuzzy") took the following steps:

1) Smooth the fuzzy parts out as much as possible.
2) apply Minwax wood hardener liberally and wait for it to dry.
3) sand the hardened wood smooth.
4) apply a 1/4" plywood sheet to the top with liquid nails. Pre-sanded and painted (2 coats primer and 2 coats black w/ 1 coat satin poly urethane for a clear coat.)

I think it turned out pretty good. It was a rebuild to sell and I didn't take pictures during the retopping (I always remember about pictures when I'm done, DOh!)

I don't know what material they used in JK's but if it is like the MDF in William's cabs, That is certainly easier to put a finished piece over the top than it is to replace a top.

I did replace a botom that was water damaged on a Galaga and that was a pain trying to fit the bottom in.

Old bottom:
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New bottom:
picture.php


ken
 
Replace it. In the end, you'll have put less time into cutting a piece out and replacing it, EVEN if it's in dados, than messing with a swollen or rough piece. One that type of material gets enough moisture damage, it's crap. With it being the top, you should be able to replace it with minimal compromise of the cabinet structure.

Set the plunge on your circular saw to right around the thickness of the old top. Remove any parts you can in the upper cabinet, saw down the middle. Carefully remove the top panel, and if there are staples, maybe you can leave them in the sides and not tear things up.

Even if they didn't use blocking (like Atari cabinets), cut blocking from 3/4" square strips, I know Lowes sells this. Fasten the blocking inside the cabinet for the new top to rest on.

Although some may disagree as MDF is prone to swelling..if you're not going to let it get wet, I'd cut a new top from 3/4" MDF. You'll have to cut it the perfect width so that it might even take a tap or 2 for it settle into place. Secure with glue, at least. MDF is easy to machine, is dead flat, and is easy to prime and paint.

Sounds like a lot of work, but so would messing with hardener, etc.. Not knocking the method though, I will have to use wood hardener and sanding on a particle board Tapper cabinet I'm restoring, although I don't have much choice.
 
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