FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

1″ Grid Formica?

fingers | Posted in Construction Techniques on November 8, 2009 09:54am

I’ve been thinking how handy it would be to have plastic laminate with a 1″ grid pattern on it. You could use it for infeed/outfeed tables, router table tops, bench tops, layout table tops, not to mention how useful it would be for sewing layout. Does it exist?

I have no idea how they make high-pressure laminate or how difficult it would be to put an accurate 1″ grid pattern on it, but I think it would be useful. Any ideas?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Jgriff | Nov 08, 2009 10:14pm | #1

    Aside from a general uncertainty as to the purpose you have in mind (what would you do with it?), there's accurate and then there's accurate. How accurate did you have in mind? At what resolution?

    The lines may be imprinted onto the surface of the laminate, but how thick would they appear? At what point would you trust them enough to use them as a point of measure?

    Then, what happens when the laminate chips, wears off, or gets cut up so the lines are illegible or incomplete? How would you get the laminate off the surface of your tool?

    Er, not to pick. I just don't understand your point.

    Griff
    1. Clewless1 | Nov 09, 2009 05:12am | #7

      No, there is accuracy and then there is precision. I strive to be accurate all the time in my business, but precision is rarely required. Accuracy is required in framing. Precision is required in much of cabinetmaking. At least that is the way I look at things.

      We build houses e.g. at about say $215/sqft ... that is accurate. A detailed materials cost is more precise.

      1. Jgriff | Nov 09, 2009 04:29pm | #10

        No argument.Griff

  2. DanH | Nov 08, 2009 10:32pm | #2

    I've seen it in fabric shops.

    A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter
  3. junkhound | Nov 08, 2009 11:37pm | #3

    I have a 4x8 sheet of formica in my stash that has a 1/2" grid on it, black on white.  The grid lines are not real fine though, about 1/16" wide..

    Pattern probably still made, special order??

  4. AitchKay | Nov 08, 2009 11:56pm | #4

    Yeah, it would be great. I looked for some once, too, but I struck out. That was pre-google, though. I haven't tried since.

    An old coworker of mine back in the 70s built a boat shop, and as soon as the plywood floor was down, he painted it white, and carefully drew a 12" grid on it with a waterproof ballpoint pen.

    Very handy layout tool:

    Boatbuilders “loft” their boats, which means having a full-size grid like the one above. They transfer x/y coordinates from their graph-paper plans directly to the grid on the floor.

    What my buddy did -- and I think this is SOP -- was to lay a bunch of drywall nails with their wide, sharp-edged heads right on the layout line, and give the shank of the nail a tap so that the head bit into the floor and stayed put.

    Then he’d carefully lay a sheet of 1/4” marine ply on top, and walk all over it. When he flipped the sheet over, the complex curves were laid out right on the sheet -- little 1/4”-long cuts. Connect the dots with a springy stick, and you’re good to go.

    It’s kind of like using a ponce wheel to transfer patterns.

    AitchKay

  5. FastEddie | Nov 09, 2009 12:11am | #5

    I would be concerned about the accuracy.  Easy solution: use a sheet of light colored formica, then layout the grid you want and scratch the lines into the laminate with a plexiglas scorer.

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

  6. User avater
    Sphere | Nov 09, 2009 03:35am | #6

    I vaguely recall my first drafting table ( I inherited it from my wife's Engineering Co.) that had a green "pad" type cover that was 1" grids. Maybe check art supplies or drafting supplies.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

    View Image

  7. dovetail97128 | Nov 09, 2009 05:32am | #8

    Don't know about 1" but I once installed 1/4" "graph paper" formica for a photographer's studio.

    Had to build a series of cubes up in a form like a stair case with 16" rises and then formica the visible surfaces using the "graph paper" laminate.

    one of my nightmare jobs.....alignment was supposed to be perfect and the material wasn't.

    Life is Good
    1. AitchKay | Nov 09, 2009 06:05am | #9

      OK, then, Guys and Gals,Lets fan out, do some detective work, and then report back.I've been wanting such a grid on my outfeed and setup tables for over 15 years.I think that we shouldn't stop until we've achieved success!AitchKay

      1. User avater
        McDesign | Nov 10, 2009 01:54am | #12

        I wonder if a sharpener could grind a TS blade to cut a narrow "V" groove, and then lightly score the grid into the laminated top - that could be pretty accurate.

        Oh - wait - just get a regular blade tilted to 45° to make the score.

        Forrest

        1. DanH | Nov 10, 2009 01:56am | #13

          Find someone with a laser engraver to do the job.
          A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It's a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity. --Jimmy Carter

  8. fingers | Nov 09, 2009 11:19pm | #11

    Obviously a 1" grid pattern wouldn't be accurate for precision measuring but for a rough idea it would be helpful. as long as the grid itself was accurate.  In other words as long as the 24th line was darn close to 24" it would be handy.  Not so much for measuring 24 and 11/16th inches.

  9. ZEEYA | Nov 10, 2009 02:02am | #14

    Check this link it may be something you could use and it's priced reasonably it's a clear self stick material with a 1" grid on it it comes in different sizes on a rollI dont know which side the grid is printed on but it might be worth a try or contacting them for more info

    http://apps.webcreate.com/ecom/catalog/product_specific.cfm?ClientID=15&ProductID=21132

     

    Zeeya

    View Image

  10. User avater
    hammer1 | Nov 10, 2009 02:29am | #15

    How about using a self healing cutting mat.
    http://www.cutting-mats.net/self-healing-black.html

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

    1. User avater
      McDesign | Nov 10, 2009 02:53am | #16

      Right - I could just see my carefully cut grid of tiny V-grooves healing over and disappearing during a weekend.

       

      Forrest - I know I put grooves in that . . .

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights
  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data