Trimming Laminate

[Denco]

I glued a piece of laminate to a 2'x3' table top. I cut the laminate a little larger than the table top to ensure coverage (large enough, bad aim, etc).

Anyone know a good way to trim the laminate? The table top is currently upside down on my project table.

No funds for any power tools right now. Would a utility knife work? The laminate seems slightly flexible but kind of brittle to me, but that could just be normal.

Thanks!

[Daryl]

A router and laminate trimming bit is the best way to go. Lacking that, carefully score with utility knife within 1/8 inch of edge, carefully snap it off and finish with a good rasp or file, drawing down against the table top.

[Denco]

Thanks. Does it have to be a laminate flush trim bit or would any flush trim bit with a bearing be appropriate?

[cabinetman]

Thanks. Does it have to be a laminate flush trim bit or would any flush trim bit with a bearing be appropriate?

A flush trim bit with a bearing is for trimming the edge flush for laminate or wood. You do need a smooth edge without indentures or high spots for the bearing to track straight.

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[Denco]

A flush trim bit with a bearing is for trimming the edge flush for laminate or wood. You do need a smooth edge without indentures or high spots for the bearing to track straight.

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Excellent! I have a flush trim bit w/bearing for my router. I've got a smooth edge, so I'll give it a shot in the morning.

Thanks to both of you, Gents!

[phrog]

A flush trim bit with a bearing is for trimming the edge flush for laminate or wood. You do need a smooth edge without indentures or high spots for the bearing to track straight.

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How do you trim inside corners, C'man?

[cabinetman]

How do you trim inside corners, C'man?

Punch a hole in the laminate, and feed the bit through.

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[Denco]

I trimmed the table top today and your advice was right on the money. The job went great using the flush trim bit. Thank you again for the help.

[pelligrini]

You passed up a good excuse for a new toy. One of these would have helped, or a colt.

[cabinetman]

You passed up a good excuse for a new toy. One of these would have helped, or a colt.

This would be a better deal, IMO.


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[Denco]

You passed up a good excuse for a new toy. One of these would have helped, or a colt.

It's only a good deal if there's $$$ in the tool fund.

[LCHIEN]

It's only a good deal if there's $$$ in the tool fund.

But you saved $XXX by doing it yourself...

[Denco]

But you saved $XXX by doing it yourself...

Y'know, Loring, ya make a great point there!

[cabinetman]

Laminate trimmers are great little routers. They can do light profiling on wood. They can be handled with one hand which makes them easy to use.

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