Help me - cutting through panel to access space behind it

[IowaRVer]

First of all… I’m not a finish carpenter… so I need help, please

All insights, thoughts and experiences you have to share are welcome.

I hope to cut through this panel (see pic) to make shelves to store shoes.

The space behind is empty… just part of the large storage area next to and below the couch/Murphy bed (that can now only be accessed from outside)

Has anyone done something similar? What tips might you have?

[latner]

Wide masking tape to keep your jigsaw from marring the surface and chipping the edges...and a fine tooth blade.

[IowaRVer]

Originally Posted by latner

Wide masking tape to keep your jigsaw from marring the surface and chipping the edges...and a fine tooth blade.

Makes sense… thank you.

Any thoughts on how/where to find trim to match the light/white-ish panel?

Then there is… how to affix the shelves from the back side? Maybe I can find a pre-made small bookcase style set of shelves.

If I choose to put a hinged door over the new opening…. Then there is that issue of how. I’ve heard of keeping the part I cut out and using a picture frame to border the door.

I may be at this a while. DW says it needs to look nice when I’m done.

Maybe I can order a cabinet door from Forest River factory?

[simiHal]

You say you’re not a finish carpenter but do you have some woodworking skills? Personally I’d use painters tape for the outline of cutout and place any marks on that. It will also help the plywood from splintering. Instead of a jigsaw I’d use a multi tool with a fine tooth blade. It will make it easier to create a straight line without a jig. For the shelf I’d just go to HD or Lowes and get a piece of mdf shelving that comes close to matching your cabinetry and cut it to size. I’d hold it in place with 1x1 in each internal corner. For the edge trim just go to HD or Lowes and find trim that is acceptable to you and stain it to match and clear coat it with a spray can. Their paint dept will help.

[camper_Lucy]

Originally Posted by simiHal

You say you’re not a finish carpenter but do you have some woodworking skills? Personally I’d use painters tape for the outline of cutout and place any marks on that. It will also help the plywood from splintering. Instead of a jigsaw I’d use a multi tool with a fine tooth blade. It will make it easier to create a straight line without a jig. For the shelf I’d just go to HD or Lowes and get a piece of mdf shelving that comes close to matching your cabinetry and cut it to size. I’d hold it in place with 1x1 in each internal corner. For the edge trim just go to HD or Lowes and find trim that is acceptable to you and stain it to match and clear coat it with a spray can. Their paint dept will help.

X2 on the multi tool. much easier to control and see what you doing then using a Jig saw.
Personally I would build a template and use a router before I would use a Jig saw.

[NMWildcat]

I usually use a box cutter on those panels. Set it to the thickness of the panel. Less risk of cutting something behind them. Not much to most of those panels

[IowaRVer]

Originally Posted by simiHal

You say you’re not a finish carpenter but do you have some woodworking skills? Personally I’d use painters tape for the outline of cutout and place any marks on that. It will also help the plywood from splintering. Instead of a jigsaw I’d use a multi tool with a fine tooth blade. It will make it easier to create a straight line without a jig. For the shelf I’d just go to HD or Lowes and get a piece of mdf shelving that comes close to matching your cabinetry and cut it to size. I’d hold it in place with 1x1 in each internal corner. For the edge trim just go to HD or Lowes and find trim that is acceptable to you and stain it to match and clear coat it with a spray can. Their paint dept will help.

Awesome suggestions, thank you

[IowaRVer]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I usually use a box cutter on those panels. Set it to the thickness of the panel. Less risk of cutting something behind them. Not much to most of those panels

Yes… they are quite thin. Thank you. Also a good suggestion.

[cardwellmarty]

Try to get dimensions inside if there is another entrance and you also mentioned a door, try coming up with your bestidea before you ever make your first cut. You can and probably will have to modify your idea.

[IowaRVer]

Absolutely... I will crawl into the storage area from opposite side (there is no door to the storage from camp side) and take measurements and pictures.

My grown son will be there to pull me out if I get stuck

I imagine I will change my mind once DW thinks about options and tells me what she wants

[cardwellmarty]

Originally Posted by IowaRVer

Absolutely... I will crawl into the storage area from opposite side (there is no door to the storage from camp side) and take measurements and pictures.

My grown son will be there to pull me out if I get stuck

I imagine I will change my mind once DW thinks about options and tells me what she wants

Good Luck keep us informed....

[5picker]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I usually use a box cutter on those panels. Set it to the thickness of the panel. Less risk of cutting something behind them. Not much to most of those panels

X2
That thin Luan board is easily cut with a couple passes of a good heavy duty, sharp utility knife.
A jigsaw WILL splinter even with tape.
You'll likely need to build something on the back side and rear to hold shelving but that shouldn't be too terribly hard with some odds and ends from one of the big box stores. You probably won't find trim that's "exact" but you'll find something close. Often times a darker color will "accent" the cutout.

[IowaRVer]

Originally Posted by 5picker

X2
That thin Luan board is easily cut with a couple passes of a good heavy duty, sharp utility knife.
A jigsaw WILL splinter even with tape.
You'll likely need to build something on the back side and rear to hold shelving but that shouldn't be too terribly hard with some odds and ends from one of the big box stores. You probably won't find trim that's "exact" but you'll find something close. Often times a darker color will "accent" the cutout.

Thank you!

I will keep you all posted… and include some before and after pics too