Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 21, 2011 11:12am | #1

   Plywood tends not to lend itself to complex edge joinery, so I think you'd end up with excessive tear-out. Previous discussions here about edging ply have indicated most professional cabinet makers use simple butt joints for the edging.

1. 
   ComSciGuy | Jan 21, 2011 05:21pm | #2

   Butt Joint Misalignment

   Thanks for the reply, I was afraid of that.  The idea seem to good to work.  How do the professional cabinet makers keep the joint in alignment?  I know modern glues are really strong and that biscuits and dowel don't really add strength, but should I use them to keep the two pieces in alignment during the drying time?

1. 
   RalphBarker | Jan 21, 2011 07:55pm | #3

   plan ahea

   . . . d.  ;-)

   One method is to use edge strips wider then the ply, and trim with a flush-trim bit after the glue dries.

   Biscuits sound like a good idea, but there is considerable play at the time of installation, so they only provide gross alignment until the glue swells the biscuit. Creap can also be minimized by careful alignment of the pressure points of the clamps. If the pressure point is off center, the joint is more likely to creap.

2. 
   woodhacker | Jan 21, 2011 08:44pm | #4

   aligning edge banding

   One simple method that works quite well is masking tape stretched tightly over the banding (at right angles) and onto the plywood. I normally size the banding slightly wider than the plywood is thick, then trim (flush trim router bit, plane, chisle, sandpaper, whichever you prefer). If you've got a pin nailer you might use that to hold the banding in place but of course that won't provide any clamping. If you're banding more than one piece, set two pieces next to each other with the bandings facing and perhaps a bit of wax paper between and then clamp the two panels.