If you need to fit a panel or bench top to a wall and the corner isn't square, or the wall has deviations in it, you may need to shape the panel before it will fit tightly.

When you're working with panels that have visible edges butting up against a wall, you should try to achieve a gap of no more than 2 mm at the worst point.

The procedure for scribing and cutting a panel to get a tight fit is exactly the same as for making a template.

The only difference is that now you're working directly with the piece that needs to be fitted.

We talked about the process of making templates in the unit Checking fit of cabinets.

You should go back to that unit if you're unsure about how templates are used or have forgotten the basic principles involved.

Scribing and shaping a panel

To scribe a panel to the shape of a wall, you need some form of spacer to guide the pencil or marker. The spacer needs to be slightly thicker than the gap at its widest point. Some installers simply use a small block of wood, but you can buy specialised scribing tools that are adjustable to suit different situations. For complex contours, such as scribing around a cornice, you can also use a compass or copy jig.

The general procedure for scribing and shaping a panel is as follows:

1. Hold the panel in place, hard against the wall it needs to be fitted to.

2. Scribe the line by sliding the block along the wall and keeping the pencil or marker pressed against the other side, so that the line follows the contours at the correct spacing.

3. Cut or shape the panel using the appropriate tool, such as a jig saw or electric plane.

Make sure you clamp the panel securely to a saw stool or work bench and wear all required PPE while using the tool.

It's also best to do the cutting outside if possible, to minimise the amount of sawdust that you need to clean up later.

4. Check the fit by holding the panel back in position.

If the gap is still too wide at any point, draw a pencil line along the high spots, and then re-cut the panel.