Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Apr 02, 2006 05:46pm | #1

   What kind of bit did you use- does it have a bearing at the end or is it solid carbide? The kind with the bearing are more forgiving of the router rocking as it passes along the edge but I would place a straightedge on that edge to make sure it doesn't have a bump that could have caused the bit to remove the surface color. Extending the bit too far makes it easier to do this, too.

   What color is the laminate? There are touch-up markers that can cover the backing color, without making it seem obvious.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
1. 
   daleM10 | Apr 02, 2006 06:00pm | #2

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   Lee Valley and the other one was Amana. Both bits have bearings. I may have had them too far extended?

   The counter top is Jamoca Granite. Mostly black with browns and many other colors it it. So its not too easy to spot the damaged part. (Almost unnoticable)

   Thanks for the reply.

   daleM

1. 
   highfigh | Apr 02, 2006 06:24pm | #3

   If the edge of the carbide was more that about 1/16" below the bottom of the surface receiving the laminate, it's possible to remove some of the color, which you have found. The tricky part of trimming any edge is due to the narrow width but clamping something to the back side gives the router more stability. If you put a layer of tape on the edge where the bearing rides, it gives you a little margin of error. If you have a black and a brown marker, you should be able to touch it up to the point of having to really look for it, in order to see it. With totally black laminates, there's usually a brown backing and even with careful trimming, the brown can be seen. I usually run a black Sharpie along the edge and wipe off any excess.
   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."

2. 
   cowtown | Apr 04, 2006 08:50am | #4

   DaleM was askin....

   When you order counter tops from a large counter top manufacturer they don’t use a file to trim the end caps do they? There must be a special router bit or some other way?

   Not likely, cause it's likey done with routers which are precisely set with expensive tooling.

   But I betcha you'd find a file or two in the QC dept.

   the suggestions that have been offered are all good, from my experience, but I just gotta add one or two of my own...

   Discount cheapo laminate trimming bits are bound to bring the heartbreak you experieced. Either the bearing size is not matching to the bit size, the bearing is so sloppy that it will fail sooner or later and leave a nasty burn mark on some surface, A good laminate trimming bit from a reputable mfg is a cost savings in the long run

   holding a rounter square on an thin edge is doable, but not without risk. A little tilt, and yer into the surface colour.

   Keep only about 5/32" ish of the bit exposed. Just enuf to cut the laminate, and a tad more to avoid having the contact cement jam up yer bearing. That way, if you do tilt the router accidently, you ain't nearly as likely to cut into the surface

   I wipe all surfaces the bearing is gonna ride on with vaseline before trimming, as it not only reduces any chance of bearing burn, but the slippricity also helps clear the glue, avoiding bearing gum up.

   Instead of a file ( I use single cut 8" mill bastards- the specialty laminate files I find too aggressive) you can use a cabinet scraper to scrape the edge down.

   My test of a trimmed edge is that I should be able to drag my fingernails across it and not feel it.

   Hope this helps ya.

   Eric
   in Cowtown