Thread: Laying of formica

gday the following ebay website has the tool you need http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....E:B:SS:AU:1123

the best tool are the laminate trimmers. Makita are the best but for a one off i think you can get a ryobi one for about $50

If its square edged, then do the edges first, trim square with the top, then lay the top. Make sure you dont bevel or file the top before laying the laminate as you will get a gap in it

Hi Dean

I just use a Carb-i-tool laminate flush trim bit - basically a router bit with a roller bearing on it - in an old Makita router. Carb-i-tool part # T-8016.

You are right about the order of work - sides, then front, then top.

When laying top you put contact adhesive on both the laminate and the top, wait for the adhesive to go touch dry, then put some battens every 200mm across the top, put the laminate on top, pull out the middle batten, carefully press the centre of the laminate against the top - it will adhere instantly, pull out the next batten and press down the laminate moving your hand from the centre of the top outwards. The whole idea is to eliminate the risk of getting an air bubble trapped under the formica. Its easier to do than to explain.

Cheers

Graeme

As told by GraemeCook, but if possible use a roller and a decent amont of effort to eliminate air pockets as you work out from the centre. Cut material oversize to allow a moderate overhang all round and trim to finish.

As an alternative, my Dad (master builder with 50 + yrs experience) would lay a length of dressed hardwood across the laminate and tap it down with a claw hammer, moving 75 - 100 mm along the length of the board each tap, and moving the board about 3/4 of its width each step accross the sheet.