I am putting formica on top of an old counter this weekend. I have not much experience with this area. The counter is about 3 by 6 and 2 inches thick. My plan is to glue on the top first, using contact cement, letting the edges overlap 1/1 inch all sides. Then cut the edge strips to exact size (using a non-chipping blade on the tablesaw). Glue those strips on, tight to the upderside of the overhanging top. Then trim the top with a flush trimming router bit. Does that sound right? any suggestions? Thanks.
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Replies
the usual sequence is edges first, then top. What I mean is edges ( oversized), trim the edges, then the top.
listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...
I cut all my parts oversize, glue, then flush trim with a router. Give some thought as to what you will see on the edges, that will determine if you should glue up the top or the sides first.
I personally don't like the black edges so I glue oak to the edge of the substrait first and use a decorative router bit (round over etc.) to help fool the eye.
bake
Edited 11/10/2002 10:28:20 AM ET by bake
KM, red's right on the edge/top sequence. B/4 that, if you are covering over an old laminate top, scratch the surface of both the old top and edgeband with sand paper, wipe clean with thinner, then apply the contact cement. This is a rudimentary explanation of how it's done, but for a DIY project, might give you guidance. Do your own search on the internet, there's a boatload of step by step info out there. Best of luck.
http://doityourself.com/kitchen/irpselfrimcounter.htm
http://www.nrha.org/orgill/How-To/plumbing/lcounter/laminate.htm
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