Replies

1. 
   MikeRyan | Apr 23, 2009 03:33am | #1

   I have had NO problems laminating MDF with yellow glue. 

   The only problem that I can think of is that you need to leave the rough measurement a little large and then cut the top down to size.  My MDF benchtop slid when I was clamping, so one of my edges was kooky.

   The MDF will give out well before the yellow glue will.

   BYW, to give the top some durability, I routered in a 1/4 piece of masonite.  That was a DUSTY and laborious process with a 1/2" straight cutting bit (The top was 7' wide by 20" deep, I left a 2"mdf lip for visual purposes)

1. 
   MSLiechty | Apr 23, 2009 06:19am | #3

   Mike I take it you didn't spread the glue full contact?  like you would contact adhesive, but just suirted out ribbons?

    

   ML

1. 
   MikeRyan | Apr 23, 2009 06:26am | #4

   No, I put the glue out in ribbons, and then spread it out on the surfaces with a card to get a semi-even layer on both surfaces.  I did not wait for the glue to tack, if that is what you are asking.

   I contemplated using a hot dog roller, but I was too concerned with the glue setting up in the pan or with it skinning over.

2. 
   WayneL5 | Apr 23, 2009 05:41am | #2

   If you can get ahold of or make a vacuum bag you can get great, uniform clamping pressure.

3. 
   Mongo | Apr 23, 2009 07:33am | #5

   I face glue MDF fairly often with titebond.

   Full coverage. I have a toothed 4" plastic knife (like a drywall knife) that I used to spread the glue, it actually came as part of a West Systems Epoxy pump kit.

   Never a problem.

4. 
   TomT226 | Apr 23, 2009 01:25pm | #6

   Use Titebond, spread it evenly, then use some 1-1/4" SR screws on the bottom side instead of clamps.  You can remove the screws and fill the holes later.  Works better than clamping.  Countersink'em and leave'em is easier.

    

5. 
   stevent1 | Apr 23, 2009 01:34pm | #7

   Yellow glue is fine.

   Scuff the faces with 60 grit.

    

   Chuck S

   live, work, build, ...better with wood
1. 
   MSLiechty | Apr 23, 2009 05:25pm | #8

   Thanks everyone Titebond it is.
   Will post pictures of the new bench when complete. ML

6. FHB Editor
   JFink | Apr 23, 2009 06:05pm | #9

   I laminated two sheets of 3/4 MDF with yellow glue and it's held together perfectly for years. What trouble did you have?

   Justin Fink - FHB Editorial

1. 
   MSLiechty | Apr 23, 2009 06:09pm | #10

   The last bench top I made I used 1" and 2 layers of 3/4" on top of it. Yes the bench was bolted to the wall, and very heavy. I spread ribbons of yellow glue on each sheet before clamping. I had to remove this bench recently, when we moved. Once the screws were removed it came apart too easy, just pried the sheets apart not much holding them together.ML

   Edited 4/23/2009 11:16 am by MSLiechty

1. 
   MSLiechty | Apr 27, 2009 06:34pm | #12

   I cobbled this one together on Saturday. 2 pieces of 1" MDF gled and screwed together using Titebond, and 1-1/2" screws. Spread the glue with a notched spreader.Used 8/4 poplar for the ledger and some soft maple for the leg and edge banding. 1/2" radius round over for the sharp edge, The front edge actually has some decent figure in it. Held the maple edge banding up for the .090" aluminum sheet. so everything is flush. Finished it with some left over pro- oil gun stock finish.ML

   
1. 
   TomT226 | Apr 27, 2009 07:48pm | #13

   Looks good.  Bet it's heavy.

   Built a folding table for a laundry room once out of a 20" hollow core door with laminate on top and oak front banding.  Sat in brackets kind of like yours, but it's removeable if the washer or dryer goes out and need the room to move it. 

1. 
   MSLiechty | Apr 27, 2009 08:12pm | #15

   for being 24" x 60" it was fairly heavy. My supplier only has ultra lite 1" MDF not the real heavy MDF I remember. I could move the ultra lite sheet myself The older stuff was a person affair, but made for a great cutting table.

2. 
   Shep | Apr 27, 2009 08:10pm | #14

   I see you've already done your glue up, but if you ever need to do it again, I've had good success with applying the glue with a foam roller. Dump the glue into a pan, and apply it like a heavy paint. You'll get great coverage. Just don't apply too heavy a coat.

2. 
   TomT226 | Apr 23, 2009 07:13pm | #11

   I've had failure like that using the cheap "particle" board.  Good quality HD & MDf have smaller voids for the glue to fill.  The cheap stuff is like swiss cheese.  Clamping pressure is important too, that's why SR screws give you a better bond.