Replies

1. 
   PeterJ | Jul 10, 2005 05:53pm | #1

   Post forming grade is thinner than conventional HPL.  Typically done in a production/controlled temp situation (oven). Too cold = won't bend. Too hot = scorched.

   I've done tight radius for self edge on occasion, but wouldn't consider it for an entire countertop edge. Recipe for disaster, me thinks.

   HPL is cheap, buy a piece and give it a try.

   In the words of Yoda "An exercise in frustration it will be".

   PJ

   Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

1. 
   gregor | Jul 10, 2005 06:02pm | #2

   Thanks for the reply. I had a sneaking suspicion there might be a problem like that. So is MDF a reasonable substrate? Is there a better choice?

1. 
   PeterJ | Jul 10, 2005 06:50pm | #3

    I prefer particleboard with finger joint self edge. If the square edge bothers you, here's an alternative I've used.

   http://www.loticorp.com/home.html

   I've also installed wood edges, and seen many more of them, but most  are trashed long before the laminate. The finish applied to the edging should be at least as durable as the laminate itself...a pretty tall order and rarely done on a "for hire" basis, it's just too time consuming/expensive for most clients...too bad.

    PJ

   Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

2. 
   Shep | Jul 10, 2005 09:46pm | #4

   you're better off getting the beveled edging. Its available from the same places you get your laminate. You can get it to match the counter, or in a contrasting color/pattern.

   you laminate the countertop, and then glue the edging on

3. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 11, 2005 02:31am | #5

   You will be cursing if you try to postform yourself. I have seen guys do it in shops using postform machines. It's a piece of cake with the right gear. Is this something you can't order out?

1. 
   gregor | Jul 11, 2005 03:26am | #6

   My wife and I are remodeling an old (1920's) house in the country. I just thought I'd take the opportunity to experiment a little. But from what everyone has told me this would be a pretty bad idea. The Gemlok product sounds like it might be pretty cool I may look into that. So, thank you to everyone for all the information, I really do appreciate your time...Greg

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jul 11, 2005 03:49am | #7

   I have done some laminate counters with solid surface edges. They came from here:

   http://www.contourcountertops.com

4. 
   steve | Jul 14, 2005 04:11pm | #8

   i build laminated countertops everyday, usually with a bevelled wood edge

   a rounded front profile as you suggest would be virtually imposible even with "postform" grade laminate

   the entire length of the bend has to be heated all at once to form it to the substrate

   on a short piece(like 2 or 3 feet) it might be posible using heat guns

   and forget about L shaped tops in one piece, it'll never happen

   laminate is pretty brittle stuff and the temperature for postforming is really critical, Formatop(my supplier for postform) wont divulge the actual temp required

   if a rolled edge is required just buy a postformed top, Formatop has a huge array of profiles and dimensions available, including no backsplash

   caulking is not a piece of trim

5. 
   steve | Jul 14, 2005 04:14pm | #9

   an addition to my previous post, i use regular grade particle board, postform grade laminate and lepages latex contact cement

   i wrote an article in fhb which came out last november(i believe) on the process

   caulking is not a piece of trim