FORMICA (1 Viewer)

[Wildbill]

Hi folks need some advice on Formica as I want to redo the tables in the van there a bit tiered now and damaged.
I would like to re do the work tops as well any one have any experience with Formica how to cut it and fit it to make a nice job.
bill

 

[Two on Tour]

Hi Bill,

I was a shop fitter and joiner for 20 odd year in my distant past and laminated many a worktop and unit but putting into word how to do it and method is harder than actually doing it.
I think your best bet is to have a look through the videos on YouTube as I find it a lot easier to understand how to do something by seeing it done rather than reading on how to do it.
If you then need any pointer then I'm more than happy to help. I still seem to have my hand in as I re-laminated the table and worktop in our van earlier this year.

 

[Gellyneck]

To do it by hand -
Mark out the face of the Formica in pencil to the finished sizes.
Add a mm or two to these sizes. This allows for any minor chipping of the cut edge.
With a steel straight edge and Stanley knife score the face along the "increased" size marks.
Using a fine bladed saw cut along the scored marks (only cut on the downward stroke). Note, a powered jigsaw cuts on the upward stroke!
Once the cuts are completed finish off the cut edges to the correct size with a hand plane (sharpen before and after the job!).
Stick to the table tops using contact adhesive (Evo Stik or similar).
Once completely dry finish off edges with fine sandpaper to remove any minor irregularities.
Be aware, you'll always see the brown \ black edge of the Formica unless you fit a fore-edge over this.

Given the time and effort involved you may want to think about replacing the table tops \ worktops with pre-finished timber \ particle board?

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[Dave K]

Hi Bill,

I was a shop fitter and joiner for 20 odd year in my distant past and laminated many a worktop and unit but putting into word how to do it and method is harder than actually doing it.
I think your best bet is to have a look through the videos on YouTube as I find it a lot easier to understand how to do something by seeing it done rather than reading on how to do it.
If you then need any pointer then I'm more than happy to help. I still seem to have my hand in as I re-laminated the table and worktop in our van earlier this year.

We share the same work life, I'm still working as a carpenter but spent many years in a workshop (including my own) making shop fitting joinery and furniture, don't know how you found it but there was never enough time in the day, it's a hectic way to make a living.

 

[stevec]

Just make sure that the Formica is lined up properly before you put the surfaces together. I believe the videos show putting thin battens between the surfaces and removing them one at a time. This gives you the opportunity to get things aligned.

 

[Dave K]

It depends on what tools you have Bill, I would cut the laminate oversize so you were confident enough to stick it down without having to line too much up, as once the glue touches it's game over without solvents etc to take it off again, you can buy downcutting jigsaw blades if you have one of those or a fine metal blade would be good enough to rough cut it to size. I then use a small handheld router with a bearing flush cutter in it, so after it's stuck down with contact adhesive (spread adhesive on both surfaces by the way) I would then go around with the small router and this cutter, the bearing runs around the edge of the table and the cutter part trims it off flush with the surface that the bearing is running against, sounds technical but it really isn't, then just file or sand the sharp edge off the laminate so you won't cut your hands on it when you're wiping it off.

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[Jimbohorlicks]

As I recall Stanley knives are hard to use to get a straight cut as the blades can bend. There was a v shaped scourer ,a bit like a glass cutter was the best to use.and as said cut 2to 3 mm oversize and trim back with a smooth file.have you tried the stick on gallon available from the likes of b and q. It's easier to apply and looks the part although not as hard wearing as formica

 

[Gromett]

I then use a small handheld router with a bearing flush cutter in it

I used the same on mine. They are called laminate trimmers. The one I had was by Makita and it was an amazingly useful tool. I also used it as a slot cutter to make the slots for knock in edge trim. Also handy for making small routed edges on anything up to 3/4" wood. Loved that and will be buying another when I am ready to do my next self build.

 

[olley]

I used the same on mine. They are called laminate trimmers. The one I had was by Makita and it was an amazingly useful tool. I also used it as a slot cutter to make the slots for knock in edge trim. Also handy for making small routed edges on anything up to 3/4" wood. Loved that and will be buying another when I am ready to do my next self build.

Had one of them for about 30 years now with a tungsten cutter with a 45 degree angle on the end of it. Trims to size and takes the sharp edge of all in one go.

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[sedge]

Gosh. Doesn't anyone own a Surform these days?

 

[Dave K]

Gosh. Doesn't anyone own a Surform these days?

Along with a Yankee screwdriver?

 

[sedge]

I dunno - never heard of one - only know how to operate a Brummagem one (screwdriver) which has a proper name which just escapes me at the mo ...

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[sedge]

..... ah, yes! - a lump 'ommer.

 

[olley]

I dunno - never heard of one - only know how to operate a Brummagem one (screwdriver) which has a proper name which just escapes me at the mo ...

Also called a spiralux screwdriver, mine got nicked years ago, mind you battery power drivers were in then, so I didn't use it any way.

 

[Dave K]

Also called a spiralux screwdriver, mine got nicked years ago, mind you battery power drivers were in then, so I didn't use it any way.

They were a health hazard, particularly when the screws all had slotted heads, had to careful you didn't take somebody's eye out

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[Wildbill]

thanks for all the replys look lie i will use my router and buy a laminate trimmer
cheers bill

 

[Wildbill]

thanks for all the replys look lie i will use my router and buy a laminate trimmer
cheers bill

edit just looked for router bits i have one just dident know what it was for
thanks bill

 

[olley]

Just thinking of some of the tools I have lost/ been nicked. Two that come to mind were a lovely and expensive Scrolling jig saw and a biscuit jointer.

Been buying screwfix erbauer tools lately, nobody nicks them.

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[Wildbill]

depends on what tools you have Bill,

sell you soume i have a garage full of tools i have a router with a laminate trimming thing i always wonder what it was

 

[Dave K]

sell you soume i have a garage full of tools i have a router with a laminate trimming thing i always wonder what it was

Good news, then you'll find it a walk in the park mate

 

[Wildbill]

Hi Bill,

I was a shop fitter and joiner for 20 odd year in my distant past and laminated many a worktop and unit but putting into word how to do it and method is harder than actually doing it.
I think your best bet is to have a look through the videos on YouTube as I find it a lot easier to understand how to do something by seeing it done rather than reading on how to do it.
If you then need any pointer then I'm more than happy to help. I still seem to have my hand in as I re-laminated the table and worktop in our van earlier this year.

its not that hard by the looks of things well within my bodging skills lol
bill

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[Wildbill]

To do it by hand -
Mark out the face of the Formica in pencil to the finished sizes.
Add a mm or two to these sizes. This allows for any minor chipping of the cut edge.
With a steel straight edge and Stanley knife score the face along the "increased" size marks.
Using a fine bladed saw cut along the scored marks (only cut on the downward stroke). Note, a powered jigsaw cuts on the upward stroke!
Once the cuts are completed finish off the cut edges to the correct size with a hand plane (sharpen before and after the job!).
Stick to the table tops using contact adhesive (Evo Stik or similar).
Once completely dry finish off edges with fine sandpaper to remove any minor irregularities.
Be aware, you'll always see the brown \ black edge of the Formica unless you fit a fore-edge over this.

Given the time and effort involved you may want to think about replacing the table tops \ worktops with pre-finished timber \ particle board?

i love the challenge

 

[sedge]

Also called a spiralux screwdriver, mine got nicked years ago, mind you battery power drivers were in then, so I didn't use it any way.

Oooh yes ! - I do remember them, No 1 husband owned one - also my builder/shopfitter bro-in-law - at the time the kids had those spinning tops that had a 'lick and stick' suction base on them, then you operated the 'handle' on the top of it, to make it spin - my nephew had one and my sis used to call it 'Andy's screwdriver, just like daddy's' LOL

Pete was using his Surform again today, to do another job and said it needed a new blade !

 

[olley]

Surform, another tool from the mists of time.

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