I have just finished laminating three island tops that I edged with maple. I now want to rout the top and bottom edge to expose the maple. I sure could use some ideas on bits and ideas. I thought of a 45° chamfer but do not know if that angle is too steep and what other good options may be available.
As usual your help is appreciated, George
Replies
I suspect you're probably right about that angle being too steep. Someone will confirm, I'm sure, but when I was asking about different chamfer bits at our local tool store the other day, it seemed there were a couple other angles used predominantly for laminate trimming.
On interesting tidbit: according to the guy I was talking to, the half-inch shank bits give a much, much better surface (glass-like) than the 1/4" shank bits. Could be he was just trying to sell the more expensive bit, I dunno.
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
George- I worked for a guy 5 yrs. ago who did alot of kitchen remodels, which also meant we did alot of high pressure laminate countertops w/ solid hardwood nosing. The only profile he would use was a 45 degree chamfer bit. It's not too steep as you were wondering. He said he didn't like to use profiled bits on edging in fear of the abuse the edge would get over the years. I somewhat agreed with him. I don't do kitchen tops anymore. But occasionally I'll do a laminate top for a custom vanity if solid surface isn't in their budget. And I'll try to match the profile that best blends with the design of the rest of the cabinet. I haven't had any problems. To me, the 45 degree gets a little boring and it doesn't go with everything. Good luck, John E. Nanasy.
Thanks for the input. I think I will go to the shop and try a few profiles on some scrap and make a decision. Between you and Forestgirl I should have a few things to try.
George
Jasada makes a bit, with a 1/2 inch shank, that makes a beautiful and durable edge on laminated counter tops.
Before I laminate the top, I edge the top with whatever material the cabinets are made of with a minimum 3/4" material by the full thickness of the base material plus about a 32nd of an inch. (flush on top) I trim the laminate off flush first then break out what I think is called the "Florintine" bit. It puts a very gentle curve in the edge of the top from about the center of the edge, up, ending with the laminate being edged at just under 40 degrees. I then turn the top over and do the same to the bottom. The results are beautiful, simple and sanitary...eay to keep clean.
I have done this on several tops with pleasant rviews from my customers and "potential" customers. it adds nice character to the resulting kitchen or bath remodel.
By the way, I don't use any nails to fasten the edgeing. I use biscuits and glue only. Once I screwed the edgeing in place and plugged the holes with matching plugs. A lot of extra work but really looks nice.
Thanks Al. It sounds like your method will produce a pleasing edge.
I will check Jesada for what you think is called the "Florintine" bit. I will order that bit and try the method on the island I am starting today.
George
Hi GEOVAN3:
I looked up the proper name of the bit I use. It's called the Queen Anne bit #610-500. Costs about 21 dollars from http://WWW.JESADA.COM. Sorry for the misinformation. Good luck.
Thanks Al, I will order one out tomorrow. In fact I can Think of a few other things I need also. George
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