Where to buy plastic laminate?

[Black wallnut]

EDIT: Brian, addressing some more of your questions ... plastic laminate is the generic term for what many people call "Formica."

And one forum member calls MICA!

You've probably heard of, and seen, something called melamine ... this is simply that same visible "skin" layer applied directly to a structural substrate such as particleboard or MDF, with the phenolic backing omitted.

It has been my experience that even if this is true, which I doubt highly BTW, that there is a world of difference in the wear charcteristics between the two. I once used melamine, banded with solid red oak as my wide table extension/ router station with my saw. In less than 2 years time I had worn through the color at the corners. I've had my present sawstation that I used wilsonart laminate on and 3 years later and many more projects when comparred to the other one I see no wearing. It is possible that flatness has played a factor and it is also possible that the difference in texture has played a part. The old one was gloss and my new one is matte. It could also be that there is more than one grade of melamine and I used a low grade. It could also be that melamine has a thinner color layer than sheet laminates. I do not know.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

This might be a good time to point out that you have a valid opportunity to buy a new power tool! A laminate trimmer would make a perfect accessory for this project.

Clearly the Bosch Colt should be pictured here instead!

[JR]

Clearly the Bosch Colt should be pictured here instead!

Sorry, I wize shopper. It was the first one that came up at Amazon! You've got pull there, can't you get 'em to change that?

JR

[LarryG]

It has been my experience that even if this is true, which I doubt highly BTW, that there is a world of difference in the wear charcteristics between the two.

It is true. I've talked directly to the people who make the stuff. Regardless of the laminate grade, or the substrate, the visible surface layer is identical. (Note that I'm talking here about the name brand laminates, used in high-quality manufactured commercial casework which typically has the finish layer applied directly to the substrate. That finish layer is the exact same thing as on the brand-name plastic laminate sheets used by millwork shops for custom work. There may well be cheaper brands/grades used on consumer products.)

The differences in wear characteristics are mainly due to the substrate material to which it is bonded, and how it is bonded. Melamine is fine for cabinet bodies, doors, etc. which don't get a lot of surface wear, but is ill-suited to something like a countertop.

[Black wallnut]

It is true. I've talked directly to the people who make the stuff. Regardless of the laminate grade, or the substrate, the visible surface layer is identical. (Note that I'm talking here about the name brand laminates, used in high-quality manufactured commercial casework which typically has the finish layer applied directly to the substrate. That finish layer is the exact same thing as on the brand-name plastic laminate sheets used by millwork shops for custom work. There may well be cheaper brands/grades used on consumer products.)

The differences in wear characteristics are mainly due to the substrate material to which it is bonded, and how it is bonded. Melamine is fine for cabinet bodies, doors, etc. which don't get a lot of surface wear, but is ill-suited to something like a countertop.

I learn something new every day. Thanks Larry.