A question for the guys who laminate the cabinet.

[Homietheclown]

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.

[jennifer]

     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.

[Homietheclown]

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?

[jennifer]

    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.

[Homietheclown]

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.

[jennifer]

    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.