veneer on 1 1/2 sides?

[Wood_workur]

I recently got a new fridge, and when I was putting it in, it was binding, on the lower 1/3 of a pantry cabinet. my idea is to sand that back edge of that cabinet down, becuase it will solve the binding problem (the fridge could then go in the final 4"), and nobody will see it. the boss approves, but I'm worried about the stability of the cabinet if I sand through the veneer on 1/3 of the height of it. (and 1/2 the width, effectively 1/6 of the veneer) How stable would the cabinet be (it is fiberboard, btw)?

[Jeffrey Schronce]

It will be fine.

[Pappy]

Strength shouldn't be a problem, but I would seal it with something to keep moisture out after you get it down to the point you need.

[Wood_workur]

so sand it, then a coat of wipe on poly?

[Pappy]

That should do the trick.

[cabinetman]

Just a thought. I've had that problem and have you checked the refrigerator for how plumb it is sitting before or as you slide it back. For an object that deep and that wide, the slightest variation of angle could be causing the binding. It's also possible that the cabinet end is off or bowed. Or, is there a blockage on the floor or in the wheels stopping the movement, while you're thinkin' it's the cabinet? Have you tried to just shimmy the thing past the binding point?

If all else fails, sand the end down and do what Pappy recommended.

[Wood_workur]

yeah, the fit is very tight, and that is where I'm sure it is binding. (I can see through everywhere on the cabinet side, except the lower 1/3. running a piece of paper between the fridge and the cabinet confirms that.

[LCHIEN]

To answer the original question, veneer provides very little, if any, structural support.

But it's going to be a lot of work to sand it off.
Somethings obviously not perfectly straight (and that's quite possible in homebuilding.)

Sounds like you are talking about 1/16th of an inch or so?

Have you tried lubrication (seriously) some Vaseline jelly or wax or something?

Are you going to have problems with ventilation and or cleaning the coils after you do get it in?

[Wood_workur]

no, haven't tried the Vaseline, might be worth a shot, but if it dries up, then I have an even worse problem. I wouldn't have problems with ventilation, there is about 2" behind (1" recommended) and 3" on top (1" recommended).