I have built some base cabinets out of mdf and I want to laminate the face frames. I have only built counter tops before. I want to know the best way to laminate the the stiles on the inside edge Ie how to trim the laminate where the rails and the stiles meet ( the horizontal pieces intersect). I have laminate scissors pit he don’t cut as clean as a router. Also if there is a jig I should make to cut the strips I need for the faces or should I just use the scissors?
Thanks Jim III
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Replies
My two ways...
1) buy a laminate trimmer with the under scribe base. This rides on the edge of the previous piece that was layed down. set/adjusted correctly, it will make a perfect joint/seam
2) use full sheets for each cabinet and route out the dood openings. More costly, less time comsuming.
If i use full sheets how will I get a sharp corner it will be rounded right? on the inside corners of the face frame.
Thanks Jim III
File the inside corners. There is actually a file you can buy that is made for laminate. One side is a single cut, the other side is a double cut. One edge is a single cut and the other edge is smooth
jim, another method.
cut your strips to length with a 60 tooth blade on your mitre box. Make sure you have a pc of wood under it so there's no void in the cutting table.
Filed inside corners could crack if any tension or movement takes place in the substrate. This is especially true on countertops but could happen with full sheets on face frames.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
I am planing to use the router table method on all of the faces. The part I am having trouble with is the inside edge like where you would put the hinges if i was putting a door on. but i guess the best method would be to use the miter saw with a block of wood to cut to size and laminate after reassembling the face frame?
Thanks Jim III
If you have a lot to do, might be worth it to buy a Laminate hand slitter.They run about $120 but work very well and could be sold for $70-80 when done with the job.JT
I have one of those too.
Gettin old, not remembering a tool I've used hundreds of times.
Good contribution!
Dave
I have used them in the past, but just picked one up for myself along with a pretty cool laminate shear and a few slick replaceable insert flush trim bits for about $160 used.Haven't used the shear yet on a job, but after playing with it a bit, I can't think of a better way to cut strips of laminate and veneer. It'll do perfect miters too.For those who aren'tr familiar with it, here is the slitter:
http://www.amazon.com/Virutex-C015L-Portable-Handheld-Laminate/dp/B000071NUWHere is the shear:
http://www.btisupply.com/detail.aspx?ID=1532Regards,Julian
Jim, I have an older model Bosh laminate trimmer with the underscribe attachment that migraine described. It works as advertised.
If you want to use strips instead of cutting out sheats, try ripping the strips on a router table. Rough cut them, over sized, with the hand shears or a table saw and then clean up the cut with on a router table. Use the routed edge as the inside edge on the face rail, and then use the laminate trimmer with the underscribe attachment for the interecting joint.
Dave