What do you guys use to miter the edge of laminates to avoid the dark edge (short of buying yet anotherrrrr special tool)?
TIA
PaulB
What do you guys use to miter the edge of laminates to avoid the dark edge (short of buying yet anotherrrrr special tool)?
TIA
PaulB
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Replies
Buy color core laminate
Edit: I went to the Wilson Art web site and could not find the color core product listed.
I build tops with the Wilson Art perma edge system. A liitle more upscale for p-lam, but you don't get the phenolic line olng the edges and at corners.
Dave
Edited 11/17/2006 9:00 am ET by DaveRicheson
Color core isn't available in the colors, patterns we've been using lately...
I have not tried this, but look at using a Miter Fold. The concept is that you run a router with 90 V bit down the back.
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Making_MiterFold_Corners.html
http://www.betterleytools.com/
Look at the miter-fold tool.
But I also see that they have another miter tool and a bevel edge tool.
Thanks Bill,
I was looking at the Betterly site just this morning. I guess I'm getting tired of buying expensive single purpose tools (boohoo)... besides I need to do it today ;)
Maybe the dark core ain't so bad... for now.
PaulB
Not one I have experience with, and probably I've done my last plastic top, but Betterly tools work as advertised in my experience. Excellent products.
And no, you can't have my seamer yet.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
I've never mitered PLam, didn't know you could. Is it a common way to install it?
Pretty common on higher end stuff. I've done some with limited success, but they do make special tooling for just that purpose. We just finished a large (13' long) reception desk for an Acura dealer and I wanted to miter the seams but maybe next time...
For counter edgaes, you can use a regular grade of laminate and use a edge product called Gemloc or there are a few others that I can't remember.
You clamp the edge with plastic packing tape. It really is that easy.
http://www.loticorp.com/products/gemloc.html
Check you local laminate supplier(not big boxes) they should have a company that can supply in any color
This is really addressed to all.
I'm picturing this and...doesn't a mitered edge of laminate become a razor sharp corner?
I have no experience with this, just asking...Buic
Right!
I use the Wilson Art Perma-Edge system a lot. The beveled edge material comes in a shipping tube that has caution labels on it: caution-edges are sharp! I have started wearing jersey gloves when handling them. The top edge of the 45 degree strip that meets the surface is razor sharp. It will cut you three ways; long, wide and deep, if you slide your hand along the edge while installing it. Once installed it is a finished joint and no longer a threat.
Properly installed there are no dark edges showing. With contrasting colors on the the top, bevel, and/or front edge the seams are invisible.
It takes a little more time and effort for both the slab prep and the grove set up. Maybe adds an hour to the buld time for a straight 8' top, but the look is much better than a p-lam top with square edges and the dark phenolic line showing.
The pricing and profit reflect the extra effort and look you get for the upgrade.
Dave