When I make long shelves out of hardwood veneer I always add a a shelf banding for extra support.
What is the best away to attach a shelf banding without having an obvious seam? Most of the shelves that I do I can not get the edge flush enough to the banding, and there always seems to be a seam (1/64″ at the most)that is visible to the eye. If it is paint grade I usually just fill it (which can be time consuming), but stain grade isn’t as forgiving.
I am my own worst critic, so is it just me that is bothered by a seam or would a customer notice it as well?
Kevin
Replies
I'm assuming you are talking about plywood and a seam is a gap that you either can't get tight or flush?
Let's say you are attaching a 3/4" x 1 1/2" edge to 3/4" plywood. You can cut a 3/8" x 3/8" rabbet on the edge of the plywood and a 3/8" groove in the face band. This gives a lot of support but it also can help to keep the shelf straight. Care in cutting the joints will assure a good tight fit and clamping should keep the solid edge tight to the plywood. Don't be messy with the glue, keep squeeze out to a minimum if any and clean it right up. If there is a discrepancy with the edge being flush with the face of the plywood, you can use a cabinet scraper. You can clamp a small wood fence to the scraper so it is limited to a 3/4" cut. This way you won't have to worry about scraping the veneer on the plywood and maybe cutting through it.
Solid wood is apt to move. Even small pieces can change. A tight fit to the plywood may either open up or change in thickness, so your once perfect fit isn't so perfect. I wouldn't worry about it on a shelf. The key to accurate joinery is nice flat, straight stock. I use a router to cut the 3/8" rabbet on the plywood, clamping a fence to the base, which, by the way, I usually replace with a square wood base. I usually cut the groove in the band with a dado on the table saw. When I build something like kitchen cabinets with a faceframe, I use the same method to attach the faceframe to the cabinet sides. I hardly ever just nail the edge on or use a butt joint. An accurate set up eliminates most need to flush things up.
I have a left over shelf from a project. I'll take a picture.
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