Replies

1. 
   flairwoodworks | Jun 27, 2008 04:55am | #1

   I would laminate the top first.  I have never experience chipping with laminate in my limited experience.  It is easier to rout the recess to the correct depth to make the plate flush after the laminate is applied.

   I would skip the miter slot and use a sled or square push block that rides against the fence instead.

   Chris @ www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com

    - Success is not the key to happines.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer

2. 
   saschafer | Jun 27, 2008 04:56am | #2

   Laminate first, then cut any holes, grooves, etc. Cut the openings slightly undersize, then clean up with a shear-cutting laminate trimmer bit, which will minimize chipping.

   You can find suitable adhesives at Home Depot and Lowe's. 3M 90 spray adhesive is a good choice. Get a J-roller and press the laminate down hard for a good bond.

   -Steve

    

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 27, 2008 07:31am | #3

   Steve, I'm curious about this idea of using a spray adhesive for the laminate.  I've only glued laminate once, on the outfeed table for my old Jet saw, and bought a can (quart?) of a thick, spread-on adhesive (sorry, too lazy to go out and find the name). 

   If you're possibly going to do more laminates down the road, doesn't it get kind of expensive using a spray adhesive??  Are there advantages that outweigh possible cost differences??forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   saschafer | Jun 27, 2008 04:22pm | #4

   "If you're possibly going to do more laminates down the road, doesn't it get kind of expensive using a spray adhesive??"

   Absolutely.

   "Are there advantages that outweigh possible cost differences??"

   You don't have 80% of a quart can of adhesive that you're never going to use again lying around on a shelf for the next 20 years?

   -Steve

    

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 27, 2008 05:54pm | #5

   Having that can in the cupboard gives me a well-rounded collection, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 

1. 
   zolton | Jun 29, 2008 05:37pm | #6

   Also, if you ever want to leave the world for an hour or two, just open up a can of Hybond 80 and take a good, long whiff of the contents.

   I've used a lot of contact cement over the years laminating plastic laminate to particle board, and the Hybond high was one sweet ride...

   ZoltonIf you see a possum running around in here, kill it. It's not a pet. - Jackie Moon

2. 
   forestgirl | Jun 29, 2008 11:17pm | #7

   Yeah, it's somethin' else.  I can't breathe fumes like that anymore, body protests -- which is good, 'cause they aren't kind.  Respirator is always handy.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)