I was searching thru FHB archives for info on trimming a laminate countertop with oak and came empty. I have built the PB substrate and am awaiting the arrival of my laminate order. I am trying to puzzle out my trim options. I want to trim it with oak beveled at a 45 degree chamfer but I have some questions about the sequence. Do I (1) mount the trim to the substrate, laminate over both, and then trim it with a 45 degree router bit? Or do I (2) trim the laminate flat to the edge of the substrate and then mount the chamfered oak trim to that. The problem with the first idea is do I need a special bit that will cut both the oak trim as well as the laminate at the same time (my laminate bit says not to use on wood). The problem with the second would be dealing with any gaps that may appear between the trim and the laminate upon mounting. Can you give me any advice?<!—-><!—-> <!—->
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The way I usually recommend to a customer is your # 1, laminate layover.
A carbide bit for wood will work on laminate just fine. I would take succesive passes, not taking all the cut right of the bat. Leave the slightly rounded inside corner (if you have one) as a sharp inside corner on the laminate will make it prone to a stress crack. Make sure your joint from oak to pb is tight and flat. Glue and fasten the oak, sand flat with the pb. Double coat the deck with contact adhesive, press hard with a roller. Use a bearing guided bit so you don't mar the oak.
Best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
thanks, I did not know if mu regular carbide bits would work.
What Calvin said.
The Breaktimer formerly known as "Steve-O"
"Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi
I'll add to Calvin's good advice. Assuming this is a kitchen or bath, plan on finishing the wood edge with something really durable that can be scrubbed, the edges of countertops take the brunt of wear. I'm in lots of older homes and wood edges are almost always showing wear and looking bad long before the top. I try to talk people out of them for just that reason. They look good when installed, but deteriorate rapidly compared to laminate.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.