Finally got the tile installed and now want to edge the new (kitchen) countertop in maple. Base of counter is two sheets of 3/4 plwood glued and screwed togerther, replacing old top which had deteriorated. Would like to edge the end grain of the plywood with maple, which has been cut, mitered, and soon to be finished. Would like to adhere with minimum–or no–mechanical fasteners. Suggest methods and type(s) of glue? Can not use pressure to hold in place without building elaborate jigs. Have 16 or 18 gauge brad nailers availabale. Do not want to screw and plug. Maple (hard) will have polyurethane. Probably semi-gloss or gloss. Tell me which would be harder/better/ etc. Will,of course, be water in the area.
Wife will probably have some say in all of this re finish but appreciate responses. Personally, I really like the look of 6-8 coats of shellac, but feel with the possibility of water sitting unnoticed may not be a good idea.
Harry
Replies
Dlon't know what you have against screws and plugs, but I think you could probably screw some blocks on the underside of the counter to use clamps. Don't know the configuration of your counter, but you could also cut a 2X4 the length of the counter, lay it flat with a couple of blocks screwed to the wall, and run the clamps on that. Shoot some biscuits in for alignment.
There are 23 ga pin nailers available. Not much holding power, but would work for glue. PVA glue should work fine.
tom,
Thanks for the response. Your suggestions are well noted. What do you think about using liquid nail type adhesive? edge banding is about 5/8 thick. Less mechanical fasteners the less holes to fill. Perhaps I am being too fussy.
Harry
Glue alone to plywood definitely won't work. I'd recommend biscuits and yellow type II (water resistant) carpenter's glue. Construction adhesive doesn't really spread well and you won't get a tight joint.
You can purchase three sided clamps. They are U shaped with a screw on each of the three sides. You'd clamp the two legs of the U to the top and bottom of the counter, then screw the center one in to draw in the edging. All with blocking, of course.
Making clamps may not be all that difficult, if you can span across to something opposite. You can cut a 2" x 2" notch into each end of a 2 x 4. Set the board on edge across from the counter to the opposite counter, say. Rest each end on the notch, with the longer edge up. Then you can drive wedges between the notch and the face of the edging as your clamp. I can say more if I'm not clear.
Or you can glue and screw, but plug with plugs of a contrasting wood.
I recommend against shellac. Anything with alcohol in it will dissolve it quickly.
The difference in durability of different sheens of polyurethane, if there is any at all, is so miniscule that it would not override what looks better to you.
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