Replies

1. 
   Steve50 | Mar 28, 2007 03:08am | #1

   I have had one for about 8 years and it has seen light use in my shop.  I had an initial problem edgebanding due to the edgeband wandering up the edge as I fed the piece through.  It took quite a while to figure it out but I discovered the pressure roller was not perpendicular to the base.  This is not adjustable so a few good whacks with a hammer resolved this issue.  This may have been unique to my machine but I can see how this could exist on every tabletop edgebander.  The EB100 is much better than ironing but IMO, does have its shortcomings.  The biggest shortcoming is that melting glue has a tendency to build up on the edgeband guides, pressure roller, and outfeed fence.  This is a real pain to clean and I think it has to be done more frequently than it should.  The heat gun is clearly high quality and heats up fast.  Overall, I would rate it as average but would consider something else if I had a lot of edgebanding to do.

   I think if I had to do it over again, I would go for a handheld edgebander similar to the Virutex Manual Edge Bander - AG98F.   It is more expensive but,  appears to be more versatile than the tabletop in that it will edgeband curved surfaces.  There are probably several other similar models available but probably cost more $$.

   Hope this helps,

   Steve

2. 
   KeithNewton | Mar 28, 2007 11:22pm | #2

   I bought one a long time ago, I quit using it about 20 years ago.

   Have you looked at T moulding? You can get a router bit that cuts a thin slot down the middle of the edge, and then you just shove the little gibbed leg into the slot, and then run your trimmer down to flush-trim the edges. It is tougher vinyl.

3. 
   Froe | Mar 29, 2007 06:18am | #3

   I have been in and around the tool, fastener, coated abrasives and adhesives game for a number of years now and have seen many of these units gathering dust in quite a few shops. The concept itself sounds so much better than using the iron however the old adage applies here - you get what you pay for.

   The Virutex although more expensive is definitely the way to go for a small one man operation. It will never compare to large edge banders but for occasional work it is indeed a real time saver.

   In my case though I have sourced out a cabinet shop that will (for a slight cost) run all my cabinet parts. In some cases it can save me considerable time. The last time I had need to edgetape, I easilly saved myself 6-8 hours.

    

1. 
   Nathan Barnard | Mar 29, 2007 01:57pm | #4

   I think perhaps I'll wait until my next commissioned kitchen project and try to find a manual Virutex edge bander on ebay for $200 or so. They seem to pop up from time to time. For now I'll stick to the clothes iron :)

   I've been using prefinished veneer for my last two kitchens and find that I have to clean with a rag it after using the iron. I think that would be remedied with the Virutex.

   froe:

   how do you indicate what sides need to be done, just with a marker?

1. 
   Froe | Mar 29, 2007 04:57pm | #5

   I have always edged all 4 sides of panels on melamine so as to seal out the egress of moisture. It also just looks that little bit better I think as well.

   In response to your question though whatever works, masking tape, chalk...

   Best regards,

   Frank