Can't we make this a sticky?

A reasonable request! On the removing the wood surround, you don need to remove the control panel but after that it is just a case of removing the screws that hold the panel in the sliding position. There are plastic parts below the screws which are rather fragile but take your time and they can be re-used.

I just want to add a couple of little things - You should really follow the correct proceedure of bending the release tabs before moving the plinth forward. These lock the plinth in place which is why it appears to stick on some machines. By not bending these you needlessly wear them out to the point that many plinths just slide forward easily on their own accord.

Secondly, on re-assembly you might find some motor panels are a little stuborn and will not easily allow the plinth to lock into postition. This is rectified simply by lifting the panel up by a tiny (less than 1/2mm maybe but experiment!) amount and then sliding the plinth in should be effortless. Seems the keyhole can catch on the upper, larger diameter part of the pegs sometimes - maybe because it has become slightly bent out of shape?.. whos knows. Not worth messing with and once you know how to tease it in it isn't a problem!

@Mika and other Mods:

Should this "sticky" be converted to a Wiki for the new Forum?

Not a bad idea at all! We'll see about it once the ball is rolling, so to speak...

I like the idea of making how-to/description entries out of threads like these

I like the idea of making how-to/description entries out of threads like these

Søren Hammer:

I like the idea of making how-to/description entries out of threads like these

Same here, the new forum will have to have them and more

Rich:

a Wiki for the new Forum?

That's new forum thinking!