seal exposed edges on router insert cutout
67speed
| Posted in General Discussion on
I have a Delta contractors saw with melamine extension table and want to make a cutout in the extension table for a router plate insert. I’d like to seal the exposed edges of the particle board after making the cut, but I’m not sure what to use.
I’m worried about swelling, which could mess up the cutout area. I’d hate to ruin the extension table after making a careful cut so the router plate is flush with the table top.
I don’t plan to have a dedicated router for the table, thus I’ll be removing the router every time I need it for other purposes.
Suggestions?
Replies
I once left a veneered particle board table top outdoor for some time and the rain water ruined the edges making them swell. I dried the edge for a full winter by placing the table top halves over a baseboard heater (we averaged -15C in January and February) Once dry, I saturated the edges with laminating epoxy, used a belt sander to remove the swell and painted the exposed edges, it served as a dining table for the next 15 years until sold it.
You can use some shellac. If your plate has spring loaded ball bearings to snug the fit you may want something a little tougher. Some glue size (3 parts glue, 2 parts water, well mixed) makes a pretty durable edge. I keep some handy pretty much always (see pic).
I have also just lightly brushed PVA glue on an edge. The glue size penetrates more than straight glue so you get a "thicker" layer of durability. Experiment with an edge of plywood or PB scrap. Let it dry for 24 hours and check it out. It can also be sanded or scraped smooth.
I've found that thin epoxy is great for sealing MDF edges. Whatever you try, stay away from anything water based.
Thanks for the suggestions. Just lying around in the garage I have polyurethane, Deft, and Minwax wood finish. Of the three, would any of them be preferable over the other?
If one of the 3 is oil based poly use that. For composite sheet goods stay away from water based products. As said above, shellac or epoxy are good choices.
Oil based paint, or any polyurethane.
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