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From this second length of timber, fix onto the skirting a short vertical length of 50x25mm timber so that reaches to the top of the skirting board. The purpose of these two extra pieces of timber will serve as supports for fixing the plywood base panel and skirting.
Place a spirit level onto the floor, and tight up against this small vertical piece,adjust the level so that it is vertical, and mark from it onto the wall a pencil mark, then extend this mark vertically up to the ceiling. The second vertical timber that extends up to the ceiling can now be cut and placed up to this line as shown in Fig 8, and fix in the same manner as the first. At this stage, the front cover can now be prepared by accurately measuring and cutting it to size both in height and width, preferably from a new sheet of plywood so to have the advantage of its smooth uncut edge.
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As all the vertical and square settings have so far been taken from one wall, it does not necessarily follow that the adjacent wall will be parallel to it.To check this, place a spirit level onto the side of the side panel, ensuring that it is vertical, and at the same time measure across from the outside edge of the side panel to the adjoining wall at the bottom, middle, and top to compare any differences. If the measurements are all equal, then the adjoining wall is vertical, and parallel to the vertical side panel, and the panel width can be cut to this measurement. However, if it is found that top measurement is greater or less than the bottom, the front panel will later need to be marked and cut in such a way that it compensates for this error, by scribing. |
Firstly, measure and cut the front panel from floor to ceiling, less 6mm, and at a width that is equal to the width of the opening from above the skirting, and offer its cut edge up to the skirting and tight up to the ceiling, at the same time adjust it so that it is perfectly vertical on the outer uncut edge, and temporarily pin it in this position. Place the spirit level on top of the skirting, and when level, strike a line across the board at this point. Remove the panel and run a second straight line about 3mm below the first, and cut the panel at this second line.
If the opening size varies from top to bottom, measure and cut to the widest point, (from above the skirting) as the front panel needs to be scribed. Then, continue as described above, where it will need to be offered up as close as possible up to the wall (a 3mm notch will be required out at the bottom to cover the skirting), and with the panel touching the wall, place the spirit level onto the uncut edge, and adjust it so that it is vertical, and temporarily pin it in position. Because the panel was cut to the widest point, the uncut edge should overhang the side panel vertically, and at the same time show up the differences between the wall and the panel, where it will be scribed and cut to shape. After the scribing and cutting of the panel, it should now follow the shape of the wall and at the same time run up to the corner of the side panel from top to bottom. |
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When correctly positioned, the panel should be up to the ceiling, and 3mm below the top of the skirting line, so that when the skirting board is later fitted around the box, the joint will be hidden by the top panel being slotted behind the skirting. The small bottom section can now be cut so that it fits neatly to the bottom of the box. Double check that the top of this piece is level, and at least 3mm below the top of the skirting, and because this is a permanent fixture, can be glued and pinned securely in position. |
| With the bottom panel now in placed, offer the top section of the panel so that it is up to the ceiling, ensuring that it is also neatly lined up with the outer edge of the box from top to bottom. A few panel pins will hold the panel in place while the panel is measured and marked for the position of the fixing screws. It important to remember that because these screws will be visible, their positions will need to be set equally apart, on both edges of the box. |
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This is best done by measuring the overall height from 50mm below the ceiling at the top, and 50mm up above the skirting board at the bottom, and dividing this distance up so that the screws will be positioned about 300mm apart, adjusting the spaces until they fit equally. 25mm No7g screws will be sufficient, and can be countersunk into the plywood, or raised by using brass or chrome screw cup, or plastic screw caps.
Now the front panels are in place, the skirting board can be fitted, using the techniques outlined in the 'Fitting Skirting Board' section on this site. |
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