Coutertop trouble -- HELP

[bmuir]

In trimming the top of a small countertop, my son (I wouldn't do this! LOL) pushed the router too hard into the edge of the countertop and took off some of the plastic laminate (PL) of the vertical edge. So, it's repair time.

Here is my plan: Using heat gun, remove the PL from the edge. Clean the contact cement from the 1-1/2-inch wooden edge with lacquer thinner on a rag, all the while being careful not to get the thinner in the contact cement holding the top down. Hand sand the edge to get rid of any stubborn glue.

Then I think I think I have two choices:

1. Trim the edge of 2" piece of PL dead straight (using a router carbide bit and an offset fence), apply glue to the edge and PL piece, jam the PL piece up tight into the overhang of the top PL piece (trimmed during the mistake), J roller down, and then trim the other three sides of the PL edge. Then apply a 15-degree bevel to all four sides of the top.

or

2. Trim the top flush with the edge, apply glue to the wooden edge and PL edge piece, glue the two pieces together, J roller, trim all four sides. Then apply a 15-degree bevel to all four sides of the top. I know this side of the top will look sightly different from the other three sides of the top, but it seem to me to have higher chance for success.

Which way do you think I should proceed? Or is there a better way?

Thanks,

Bill

[Mr__Bill]

Second option will leave a black like on the edge of the top and you will see it forever. The first option will look better in the long run. Even if the joint is not perfect.

Careful with the heat gun and thinner it will be real easy to damage the top piece. You most likely will be able to pop the edge piece off and you may be better off just scraping well and then sanding the rest away. There most likely will be a matching gouge in the edge of the top laminate. Just file it so that there are no points that catch the finger and forget about it.

Good Luck
Bill, on the Sunny Oregon Coast

[cabinetman]

Option #1 is the way I do it. But, no need to get the old glue off. Just let the old glue cool and reapply a thin smooth layer of contact cement. Straightedge one edge that comes in contact with the top piece of laminate. Use a wood block and a hammer to apply new edging.
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