I wanted to build my next N-scale layout using a hollow core interior door (with foam on top) since they are so cheap and nicely flat. However, most are 80" in lengh and that's a bit too long for my space. Has anyone shorten a hollow core door? Will I need to make a wooden piece to plug up the opening (I'm assuming there'll be an opening one I cut the base off)? Will this cause any warping in the future? Thanks!
I don't think it can be done by just cutting it. You will have to support the open end with styrofoam or something, I think. A good .75 inch plywood is pretty solid, too.
What if you just pry the end cap piece out of the discarded piece and reuse it. It should be the same dimensions as needed.
How much do you want to cut off? You can purchase a door that has a solid bottom for cutting to fit a non-standard doorway. Look and see if you can find one of those. You may have to go to a builder's supply and pay a little more than you would for the cheaper doors at somewhere like Home Depot.
I think Geeky has it right. Unless you're just cutting off a very short amount (in which case Tad's suggestion works) you're going to wind up with an open end that neds to be plugged. Just be sure to use a lot of carpenters glue and weigh it down well when you re-use the end piece from the cut-off section. Shouldn't cause any problems. Regards,
I have cut hollow core doors off (not for trains, but for a very short doorway) and yes, you need to support the two thin pieces that make up each side of the door. This is only important if you plan to cut more than about 3/4 of an inch off. Anyway, just measure the distance between the two panels and cut a piece of something (2x4 is cheap) and glue it in place, weight it, and I put some small brads from a nail gun in to hold it. works very well, and now if I kick the bottom of my door shut, its no problem oh, one last thing, mine had a cardboard like material inside for added support through the middle of the door, just remove what you need to in order to get your spacer piece to fit. -doc
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm planning to cut it short so as to achieve a 5'6" length. I'm pretty sure the botttom doesn't extend that far up. I was going to use a 3/4" ply piece and fashion a plug (I'm very good with woodworking) but the idea of reusing the bottom cap never occurred to me. I'll give that a try. Thanks again!
doc5, thanks. We posted at the same time. I plan to use a hand held circular saw (guide clamped in place of course).
