Hello everyone,
I am planning to modify and cut my IKEA PAX wardrobes myself because the standard dimensions don’t quite fit in my bedroom. Specifically, I want to adjust the height and possibly the width of the wardrobe parts so that they fit perfectly into the given niche without wasting too much space.
I already have some basic knowledge of furniture making and power tools, but I’m unsure about the best approach to ensure the stability and functionality of the PAX elements remain intact.
Are there any proven techniques or special tools you would recommend? What is the best way to cut the parts, especially the supports and side panels?
Also, I am interested in your experience with finishing the cut edges to make them clean and visually appealing.
I look forward to your tips and tricks to successfully carry out this project!
I am planning to modify and cut my IKEA PAX wardrobes myself because the standard dimensions don’t quite fit in my bedroom. Specifically, I want to adjust the height and possibly the width of the wardrobe parts so that they fit perfectly into the given niche without wasting too much space.
I already have some basic knowledge of furniture making and power tools, but I’m unsure about the best approach to ensure the stability and functionality of the PAX elements remain intact.
Are there any proven techniques or special tools you would recommend? What is the best way to cut the parts, especially the supports and side panels?
Also, I am interested in your experience with finishing the cut edges to make them clean and visually appealing.
I look forward to your tips and tricks to successfully carry out this project!
Hi Nikepar!
This sounds like a really exciting project! I can tell you that cutting PAX shelves is definitely doable if you have the right tools. I use a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade for the wooden panels – this ensures clean cut edges that are easy to finish. For the edges, I definitely recommend using self-adhesive edge banding; it looks almost original afterward and protects against swelling wood.
Also, be very careful to mark and plan all holes and drillings precisely before cutting, so nothing shifts out of place.
Be cautious with the supports! I would only saw at the less load-bearing parts, leaving the base or main connections intact. Sometimes I even made custom templates to make sure the drill holes stay in the right spots.
If you need more tips on tool selection, just let me know! You can do this!!! 👍
This sounds like a really exciting project! I can tell you that cutting PAX shelves is definitely doable if you have the right tools. I use a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade for the wooden panels – this ensures clean cut edges that are easy to finish. For the edges, I definitely recommend using self-adhesive edge banding; it looks almost original afterward and protects against swelling wood.
Also, be very careful to mark and plan all holes and drillings precisely before cutting, so nothing shifts out of place.
Nikepar schrieb:
Wie gehe ich am besten vor beim Zuschneiden der Teile, vor allem der Träger und Seitenwände?
Be cautious with the supports! I would only saw at the less load-bearing parts, leaving the base or main connections intact. Sometimes I even made custom templates to make sure the drill holes stay in the right spots.
If you need more tips on tool selection, just let me know! You can do this!!! 👍
To complement the previous information, here is a factual summary:
- Always create precise measurement plans before cutting any PAX parts. Drill holes and mounting points must also be taken into account.
- For cutting melamine or chipboard panels, a table saw or a circular saw with a fine carbide blade is recommended. This minimizes edge chipping.
- To prevent chipping, mask the cutting edge on the top side with painter’s tape and use a guide rail while cutting.
- After cutting, the edges should be finished with edge banding or at least finely sanded and sealed to ensure moisture protection.
- It is not advisable to shorten load-bearing frames and metal parts, as this can significantly affect stability.
- Larger angle brackets may sometimes be useful during assembly if the original connection points are lost due to cutting.
The priority here is maintaining frame integrity and secure mounting points. Metal supports should ideally not be shortened at all.
Finally, I recommend using standard module parts as much as possible within the IKEA PAX measurement system and making only minimal, carefully planned modifications.
- Always create precise measurement plans before cutting any PAX parts. Drill holes and mounting points must also be taken into account.
- For cutting melamine or chipboard panels, a table saw or a circular saw with a fine carbide blade is recommended. This minimizes edge chipping.
- To prevent chipping, mask the cutting edge on the top side with painter’s tape and use a guide rail while cutting.
- After cutting, the edges should be finished with edge banding or at least finely sanded and sealed to ensure moisture protection.
- It is not advisable to shorten load-bearing frames and metal parts, as this can significantly affect stability.
- Larger angle brackets may sometimes be useful during assembly if the original connection points are lost due to cutting.
Nikepar schrieb:
What is the best approach to cutting the parts, especially the supports and side panels?
The priority here is maintaining frame integrity and secure mounting points. Metal supports should ideally not be shortened at all.
Finally, I recommend using standard module parts as much as possible within the IKEA PAX measurement system and making only minimal, carefully planned modifications.
nesau3 schrieb:
I use a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade for the wooden panels – this ensures clean cut edges that are easy to finish. That is correct. It is also important to use a guide rail to keep the cut perfectly straight.
nausu schrieb:
After cutting, the edges should be finished with edge banding or at least finely sanded and sealed. I fully agree. Additionally, I recommend using a suitable wood or plastic filler if there are any minor splinters caused by the cutting along the edges.
You should also make sure that the dowels, screws, and fittings still fit precisely after cutting or adjust them if necessary.
In summary:
- Accurate measuring and planning before cutting
- Use of a guide rail and fine-toothed blade
- Careful finishing of cut edges
- Do not shorten load-bearing metal parts
If you follow these points, your PAX shelves will fit perfectly into the desired niche while maintaining their stability.
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