Been reading with heightened interest the thread on “bloody nose” and prefinished ply, but request for proposal wants the stuff for cabinet carcases anyway. (Telling me something?)
Has anyone found a good way to edge the ply when used for shelving? I’ve used thousands of feet of iron-on edging for workshop cabinets with little problem, but I was always looking for edges that caught or were starting to come loose. Can’t count on others being equally careful down the road. Finishing would also be an issue, as the iron-on would need finish without getting any on the plywood surface. Gluing on hardwood strip would be even more of a problem to finish, not to mention making flush with the prefinished surface.
Any suggestions would be appreciated, the bid is expected in a couple days. Thanks.
Replies
Don,
Check with your supplier - my supplier that carries the pre-finished ply also carries matching prefinished maple banding with and without glue.
They also carry 3/4 ply already banded on 1 long edge - 10 7/8" wide for upper kitchen cabinet shelves (these come in 8 foot lengths)
For what it's worth - I have used prefinished maple ply extensively and had no adverse reactions. Not to discount the person's story with the problems - but you may be worrying for nothing. The prefinished maple ply my distributor carries is a premium grade plywood - 48 1/2 X 96 1/2. Other than the extra expense (over prefinished birch) I love the stuff.
Good luck,
Lee
I also use prefinished maple edging on my cabinets, and a laminate router to trim the edging. Does a great job. Only time I've used unfinished edging is when I run short of prefinished. It is a pain to finish, but doable.
I've been reading a bit about the prefinished maple ply, but I still don't know who manufactures it and where I can order some. Little help please? Thanks
Edited 3/3/2008 6:38 pm ET by Sewerman
Thanks everyone for all the replies. Hadn't heard of pre-finished edge banding. I found it at http://www.distributor-service.com (DSI) but only "fleece backed" which probably is not iron-on. DSI also carries the prefinished maple ply. Anyone know a mail order source for prefinished maple iron-on edgeband?
I used to get it from this guy (http://cabinetmaking.com/), but now purchase direct from richelieu.com. I think it's about $36 for 250m.http://www.richelieu.com/produit/detail.php?fr=pgr&no=1034250M5P.S. I use an iron, j-roller, and laminate trimmer. Works every time.
Edited 3/5/2008 3:14 pm ET by Nathan Barnard
Nathan,
How durable is the iron on edging? Have you had much experience with it? I would be concerned about chipping or peeling.Thanks, Tom.
I have a decent amount of experience with it. Pealing is not an issue, as long as it is correctly glued (enough heat, use j-roller). I do find that the corners of white mel edging can get banged up a bit (on shelves), as it is fairly thin. Although, I does take a fair bit of abuse to chip the edges. The prefinished maple is a fair bit thicker and stands up better to abuse. I had considered using thicker PVC edging, like seen in commercial applications, but haven't bothered.
I'm not sure of the manufacturer - but most large plywood distributors should carry it or could get it. It's pretty common in the custom cabinet industry.
Good luck,
Lee
Don ,
Since the plywood is finished clear , I am assuming the edge would be clear as well ?
Why not use the iron on and use a brush or rag to apply a clear coat ?
Or go ahead and spray the edge and rub out the overspray , it probably won't stick real well to the pre finish any way .
Word of caution not just about the pre finished ply but in general , if you are doing this as your occupation , when ever we are asked to do or use something different then our normal operations , it will usually cost us something . Maybe just the time of the learning curve .
regards dusty
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