Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: Homietheclown on March 14, 2015, 11:50:42 am

Title: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: Homietheclown on March 14, 2015, 11:50:42 am
Are you guys laminating the bottom (the part that touches the ground, not the inside of the cabinet) or just leaving it bare wood?

I'm using MDF wood. I haven't seen anyone talk about it so I figured no. Thanks.
Title: Re: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: jennifer on March 14, 2015, 05:32:21 pm
     The bottom isn't done, It would just get all scratched up and nasty anyway.... But if your looking for some protection down there, Paint a coat of glue on there
(After your done laminating the sides) That will dry solid and makes a really nice water barrier.







Title: Re: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: Homietheclown on March 14, 2015, 09:41:59 pm
Hey Jenn,

When you say glue, do you mean the glue that is used to hold the battens and side pieces together?  I haven't bought glue yet but I know I need to.. Which glue do I need?
Title: Re: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: jennifer on March 14, 2015, 11:13:20 pm
    No, the contact cement used for sticking the laminate... It dries then you stick your pieces together, but on the bottom you can just let it dry, and forget about it.
Title: Re: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: Homietheclown on March 14, 2015, 11:27:23 pm
OK sorry for a repeat but I want to make sure I get your advice. :-[

I hae contact cement to glue the laminate to the mdf. I understand that i will use it on the bottom of the cab too.

However which glue\adhesive do I need for building the actual cab. I'm using battens with wood screws. However I hear people will also use glue between the MDF panels and battens that's holding them together. I figured (and I was going to do some research on it) that I will have to use some wood glue or gorilla glue. Am I able to use the contact cement instead? That would be awesome if it were true.
Title: Re: A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.
Post by: jennifer on March 14, 2015, 11:56:14 pm
    A good quality wood glue works, I like to use a slow drying epoxy (the 24/hr stuff) it leaves a long work time. A little goes a long way or you have a big sticky mess though. If you do paint cement on the bottom do it after you do all the routing, So your bit doesn't carve a groove in your glue.... **Fun fact, If your laminating up to a painted edge, tape a piece of plastic banding strap along the edge for the bit to ride on, This will leave a overhang in your laminate you can file down by hand. leaving a nice finished edge.