I have bought laminated chipboard to make some cabinets. I still have to apply the same laminate to the edges by using contact cement.
But how do I trim those edges? I was thinking of using a flush-trimmer.
But the chipboard is only 18mm wide, so it will be difficult to keep my router in balance.
Can you share some ideas or tips to construct a router jig?
Best regards
Ivan
Replies
Ivan,
If you're planning to use edgebanding tape, here's one solution: http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=1701
Otherwise, I've used a small laminate trimmer to trim everything from formica to wooden edgebanding on panels from 3/4" to 3/8" with no jigs, just the standard base, A steady hand works just fine.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
Mensa Member
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Edited 10/17/2005 3:10 am ET by BArnold
Porter-Cable makes a commercial grade laminate trim router that comes with a small adjustable fence on it that is intended just for this situation. It's the one that has a round base, and threaded body, not the suqare base model. We have three of these in our shop and they work very well. I believe they cost about $150.
Ivan,
A laminate trimmer with a flush trim bit is the way to go. I don't like bits that have a bearing for this, because if the bearing gets clogged and stops turning you'll scratch the heck out of the surface. Just a solid carbide, one piece bit is what I mean. If you lay the workpiece down and use the trimmer horizontally, you shouldn't have any trouble trimming those up.
You may also want to lubricate the surface where the bit rides to prevent the bit from burning or scratching the work. Some folks like silicone spray for this, which is a bad idea if you do any spray finishing in the same shop (fisheye). A small paint brush and some Vaseline work good. I've even seen grease used for this. Lacquer thinner on a rag cleans it up.
They have "finish" bits which actually put a small bevel on the edge of the laminate. These are used after the initial trimming. They are difficult to use, especially the first time. Some claim to be "no file" bits which is a crock. Either way you will need to file the edges after they are trimmed- carefully.
- Paul
I'm gonna go against the accepted wisdom of laminate trimmer, but I do speak from experience. We use a very heavy plane blade, very sharp. If you hold it flush with the surface of the sheet goods, and find the right skew angle, it trims the excess laminate off the edge faster and cleaner than anything I've seen, including laminate trimmers. Don't take what I say on faith, try it.
DR
Create a clamp on "table" to run your trimmer on.
Buy some 2" aluminum angle, cut a piece longer than the longest panel you have to trim. Rip a piece of 1/2" ply1-1/2" wide, and screw it to the angle 1/2" down from the angle bend. Run the screws through the angle into the wood. Place the panel to be trimmed on edge on your bench, place the flat of the angle down and clamp the guide to the work. Flip it over, and put it in your vise, with the angle to the back. Use a combo square to check that the edge to be trimmed and the angle are fairly square. Doesn't have to be perfect. This creates a 2" wide surface for your trimmer to run on, and a relief for the untrrimmed area in the back. Works great for edgebanding with solid wood too.
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