formica trim finish technique.
 

About the only formica work I have done has always had lee rail or edge over
it.

I'm building a drop leaf cabin table that will have a formica top with teak
rails around it.. No problem there. The table top base material is 3/4" ply.

However, I want to add 3/4"X3/4" edge where the the drop leaf joint will be.
I want to trim this teak down so it will be finished flush with the formica.

I can't plane or sand it flush without scoring the formica surface.

I'm thinking use the rotor with a flush trimming bit (which has a guide
bearing).. My question would be, will the guide bearing cause any marks on
the formica surface?? Is there something that I should put on the formica
surface (wax, etc) to prevent burn marks or scoring??

Opinions, suggestions or experiences.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

formica trim finish technique.
 

You are over-thinking this one. Of several methods you could use, you
*could* hand plane the edge. Clamp a batten to the top so the blade
of the plane reaches only the teak edging, if you must.
Or apply scotch tape. Or....

Brian W

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 19:03:00 -0800, "Steve" wrote:

About the only formica work I have done has always had lee rail or edge over
it.

I'm building a drop leaf cabin table that will have a formica top with teak
rails around it.. No problem there. The table top base material is 3/4" ply.

However, I want to add 3/4"X3/4" edge where the the drop leaf joint will be.
I want to trim this teak down so it will be finished flush with the formica.

I can't plane or sand it flush without scoring the formica surface.

I'm thinking use the rotor with a flush trimming bit (which has a guide
bearing).. My question would be, will the guide bearing cause any marks on
the formica surface?? Is there something that I should put on the formica
surface (wax, etc) to prevent burn marks or scoring??

Opinions, suggestions or experiences.

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

formica trim finish technique.
 

spray wd40 on the bearing before starting. It will help in keeping the glue
from sticking to the bit and bearing. I use blue masking tape along the
edge of the formica for the bearing to ride. Since teak is a dense wood
and may cause overheating of the bit. Make sure you use a variable speed
router atleast at the 1/2 inch arbor size. My best advice would be to mill
a small rabbet along the edge of the formica to allow the formica to set in
and fit the formica to the cutout
Terry