Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: griffindodd on September 11, 2012, 05:14:22 pm

Title: Need tips on bending laminate
Post by: griffindodd on September 11, 2012, 05:14:22 pm

Hi guys,

I'm contemplating trying to laminate my front column on my build, but because of it's structure and rounded edges I will need to create a molded/bent piece to wrap around the front and sides of the column...

(http://www.kinemote.net/mame/build104.jpg)

I've been reading around a bit and understand that you can steam the laminate or just use a heat gun to soften it up for bending. The radius of my front corners is approx 1/2" so I'm worried it may be too tight. I'm using Wilsonart 1/32 vertical grade matt black.

Title: Re: Need tips on bending laminate
Post by: Slippyblade on September 11, 2012, 05:27:50 pm

Just use a heat gun.  The secret is to heat S-L-O-W-L-Y and allow the heat to penetrate all the way before bending.  Once the heat has penetrated, the curve radius almost doesn't matter.