Routing laminated panel

[shiloh]

Hello

I am done with converting my cabinet to mame, but now I am in the process of building a new CP for it. It's my first experience with a router and working on laminate.

I bought a pre laminated 5/8 MDF sheet. I am cutting my parts on a table saw and I am adding 1/8 of an inch on all edge because of the chipping and after use the router with a flush trim bit to finish the edge.

I issue I have is when routing the edge, the pattern is sliding on the laminate. I have used pretty strong clamp to hold it in place but it seems that the laminate is too slippery.

I thought of using a brad nailer to temporarly nail the patter in place. Is there anything else I should try?

maybe I should have bought ordinary MDF and laminate it after...

[nuka1195]

the proper blade should not chip your laminate. also sometimes taping the cut line helps.

for your slipping try some two sided tape along with the clamps.

[orion]

"for your slipping try some two sided tape along with the clamps"

Also just as a general tip for preventing things from slipping while using a router, use a rubber drawer liner or a non slip carpet pad. Though I usually use them in conjunction with clamps.

http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/409

[ChadTower]

When possible you can also use a bit with the bearing on the other end and put the pattern underneath on the nonlaminated side.

[shmokes]

When possible you can also use a bit with the bearing on the other end and put the pattern underneath on the nonlaminated side.

I do this whenever possible just to keep my router's base from scratching the surface of my laminate.  I MUCH prefer using template bits over flush trim bits.  With that said, can you just add a third clamp?  I don't ever have a problem with my templates slipping and all I ever use are clamps (rubber footed ones so I can really tighten them up without marring my workpieces).

[HairyDVD]

If you want to use a flush mount bit, you could also use some double sided tape to attach some felt to the underside of your router so it does not scratch your laminate.

[ChadTower]

Doing that does add potential to bite into the face of the workpiece because the felt has give.  If the router baseplace is gouged enough to mar laminate then it needs to be replaced.  It takes a lot to damage laminate.

[shiloh]

for your slipping try some two sided tape along with the clamps.

That worked perfectly!