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installing formica questions
PCC:
Carefully follow the directions on your contact adhesive. The flammable stuff is more permanent, but should be used outdoors. Let the adhesive dry on both surfaces. Place wooden dowel rods about a foot apart on the surface so that you can adjust the laminate; remove the rods one at a time and use a J-roller to apply pressure across the attached surfaces. Keep removing the rods and applying pressure until finished. You'll want to trim the bulk of the excess away with a rotary tool and a laminate cutting bit (leave a couple of inches and support the excess so it doesn't crack where you don't want it to). ErikRuud is right; a router with a flush cutting laminate bit is the way to go; you'll get a perfect edge. Take your time and you'll be happy with the results.
Scott's Unicade has a good piece on laminate:
http://home.austin.rr.com/shumate/unicade/cabinet.htm
Radeyes:
Thanks a lot everyone for the help & links! Looks like I need to find myself a router...
Jack Saunders:
Great information..I have a followup question:
Which order of construction is correct (or at least easier)?:
1. cutout control panel from MDF
2. laminate with formica
3. layout and drill formica & MDF for buttons, joysticks, etc.
OR
1. cutout control panel from MDF
2. layout and drill MDF for buttons, joysticks, etc.
3. laminate with formica
4. drill formica (if this method, how?)
Thanks in advance,
Jack
neuromancer:
Laminate it, then drill it all together.
One more tip on assembly: get some dowel rods. Apply contact cement. Lay dowels onto MDF. Lay laminate on dowel rods. Now you can position the laminate to your heart's content. When satisfied with the position, remove the dowel rods one at a time.
A j-roller is a handy tool for applying pressure to the laminate.
Bob