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Melamine
rampy:
--- Quote from: PCC on March 24, 2003, 02:43:54 pm ---As per: http://www.formica.com/howtospecify.jsp?chip_id=34
Laminate should be bonded to a suitable substrate such as medium-density fiber board (MDF) or a 45# density particle board. Plywood is not recommended for use. Use backing sheets as necessary to balance assembly and prevent warping.
I believe that they recommend MDF because it contracts and expands most like laminate.
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I guess I stand corrected... although my can of wilson contact cement lists plywood as an acceptable substrate... and I think if you bought decent plywood it would be "OK" (i.e. not knotted up 3 ply on sale stuff from HD) so... yeah.. mdf.. that's the ticket...
er...
rampy
SNAAAKE:
--- Quote from: Dave_K. on March 24, 2003, 01:54:34 pm ---Ok, someone explain to my why you would want to laminate over the top of MDF? Especially if you can find black melamine?
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Melamine is not as GOOD/THICK as laminate and if you wanna be very anal about your cabinet then you laminate the whole thing and ya dont have to worry about any chiping..
I personally would avoid melamine because I don have a clue how to cut it without chiping the sides so I would just get some chepo mdf or ply wood then laminate the whole thing.
Thats just me though :P...if anyone here CAN cut melamine without chipping the corners then thats fine. :)
_Iz-:
They recommend MDF or particle board because the surface is smooth. (No telegraphing). They are also structurally stable (not much expansion or contraction).
We have used plywood to laminate over but it was specially designed stuff called superply. It had all surface knots and imperfections filled and was sanded very smooth.
FractalWalk:
--- Quote from: Dave_K. on March 24, 2003, 01:54:34 pm ---Ok, someone explain to my why you would want to laminate over the top of MDF? Especially if you can find black melamine?
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Well, I plan on doing it because I don't want my cabinet to be black or painted.
shmokes:
--- Quote from: Dave_K. on March 24, 2003, 01:54:34 pm ---Ok, someone explain to my why you would want to laminate over the top of MDF? Especially if you can find black melamine?
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Because it means the inside of your cabinet is nice and smooth and black instead of bare wood. Obviously this effect can be achieved with non-prelaminated wood, but it's extra work. I would laminate over the sides because I don't want the outside of my cabinet to be plain. I want to use colors and the colors I want to use are not offered as a Melamine prelaminate. God, it's expensive, though. In the neighborhood of $38 per 4'x8' sheet.