Cutting Depth of Ikea Pax frame

[Jalz]

Hi,

Has anyone reduced the depth of an Ikea Pax frame? I'm interested in buying the pax 100x58x236 frame, however the 58cm depth is too large for my specific space. I need to trim it down to 45cm to give me a frame that will hold a maximum volume for the space.

I've not done anything like this before, so I've been doing my research (youtube, blogs etc) regarding the tools I'll need to buy, circular/track saw to cut panels I have a drill. One thing that concerned me was that not all Ikea cabinets/frames are solid mdf and the chances of trimming the depth down to 45cm can impact the sturdiness of the frame. I believe there is some sort of paper honeycomb structure for the filling, hence the reason you are not supposed to walk on them.

Has anyone reduced the depth of a Pax and was the carcass hollow when you cut into it? if it was, how did you make it sturdy again?

Alternatively anyone know where I can buy a frame similar to the Ikea Pax in height and width but with a custom depth as I'm planning on using the Ikea pax doors and the smaller Pax accessories like draws etc - it would probably save me a lot of hassle.

Thanks

 

[Tigercubrider]

I suspect that you'd be ok but the back may be an issue. Normally, ikea backs slide into a groove and are then pinned. You may have to provide slightly oversize ply backs to keep it rigid.

Only way to be sure is to buy one and see?
You could visit an ikea and poke about with a small screwdriver in the showroom.
It's likely that some of the rear screws and dowels would need to be replaced by new ones

 

[phatboy]

Are you going to IKEA to collect? I have a mixture of their stuff, some is solid chipboard and others is the honeycomb stuff. Instantly noticeable when you pick of the box.

If all is well, you would ideally need a circular saw with a fine blade to cut it down neatly. Then a router with a bit the thickness of the back panel so you could refit that, or with the use of the circular saw depth stop and guide, you could probably get away with that.

And just re-drill the wall brackets.

 

[Jalz]

Thank you both,

I wasn't planning on going to the store again as its 30 miles away, went in holidays to spec the wardrobe up so I was going to buy it online as I can't transport all the wardrobe bits easily for the 3 frames/doors inners I'd need.

I may have to go down again to check these frames out, perhaps with a screwdriver Tigercubrider says (although don't think I can get away with that though). I'll probably do the knuckle test to see if its solid. I want to try and do this on a tight budget so can't really spend 70 quid to find out the carcass is hollow, at that point I may as well see if I can source the frame in the dimensions I want by paying the extra.


best wishes

 

[plastic_peanut]

Why not contact Ikea and ask them? I am sure this is easier and will save you being thrown out for poking a screwdriver in their display

 

[mattylad]

I have the PAX range in most bedrooms, they are all chipboard inside.
As above, the back panel will need sorting, however you will also need to drill and refit one of the tighteners (the name is avoiding me right now) that hold them together as they are about 50mm from the back end. Also trim down the shelves top/bottom/inside.

TBH I'm not sure it will go well, the cut would IMO be pretty noticeable unless you practise well.
Although they do do several different sizes of PAX frame, are yu sure they don't do one in your required size.

Your warranty will be screwed lol
Don't forget to use a friends and family card

 

[Ian H]

I think you would be ok, the backs nail on flush rather than sitting in a groove.

Then you would need a couple of holes for the dowels and shelf pegs.

 

[foxhole]

Not seen anything from IKEA made of mdf , would be cheaper to build what you want from scratch rather than butcher a ready made unit .Good chance you would lose integrity due to loss of fixings at edges .

 

[Jalz]

Thanks all, been looking at perhaps making them myself - construction looks easy enough (I've come across Peter Millards YouTube channel), its trying to get the tools cheap enough to make this one off project viable.

 

[foxhole]

Thanks all, been looking at perhaps making them myself - construction looks easy enough (I've come across Peter Millards YouTube channel), its trying to get the tools cheap enough to make this one off project viable.

If you draw and plan accurately you can take a cutting list to timber merchants and get sheet material cut to size.