Replies

1. 
   BrianF | Mar 24, 2005 04:54pm | #1

   I would consider using a high presure laminate instead of melamine. Look at any of the popular brands like Wilsonart, Pionite, Formica, Nevamar etc. Melamine just won't be durable in that sort of an aplication, it just doesn't have a thick wear layer like a laminate. You can cut the laminate oversize with at tablesaw and then after it is layed and pressed route it flush with a flush trim bit in a router. What are you planning to do for an edge? Self-edge, where the laminate is the edge? Or maybe a wood edge? These will determine the order of work. A self edge will require the edges to go on first and then the top. Depending on the look you are going for some wood edges go on first with the laminate layed on after. Other styles of wood edge go on after.

   I'm not trying to sharpshoot you, rather give you somethings to think about so you can turn out a good product and maybe get some repeat business.

   Brian

1. 
   BarryO | Mar 25, 2005 03:29am | #2

   There's Melamine, and then there's Melamine.

   The stuff they stock in HD and Lowe's is actually Melamine Foil, a very thin layer.  At a "real" supplier, you should be able to get "real" Melamine, with the thicker facing.  Not quite as tough as high-pressure laminate, but a big improvement.

1. 
   BrianF | Mar 25, 2005 08:12pm | #4

   Barry, I agree with you 100% on the degree of Melamine. I built and laminate covered so many cabinets for banks and restaurants when I worked at a big shop that if I never see either again I'd be one happy boy. I'm just looking at his post and seeing a business office aplication. That says to me it is going to see some hard wearing. That is why I suggested laminate. I think it will still be the best (and cheapest) bet for the long run, and a happier customer. Thanks for clarifying it though, I realize lots of people wouldn't know the difference and be REALLY disappointedBrian

2. 
   Lee0 | Mar 25, 2005 04:03am | #3

   melaine will tear out badly on one side unless you use a table saw with a scoring blade... you can cut the dimensions about a 1/4 inch over sized and rout a clean edge. that can take some time. depends on how many parts you have to deal with and how many parts will be seen on both sides of the board. best of luck!

   ps don't buy melamine from home depot or lowes. if you laminated the tops with mica (it's more durable) and made the rest of the parts w/ melamine it will wear alot better. and it would cut your cost.