Applying laminate over countertop front

I'm only familiar with Wilsonart but I assume that the other
manufacturers have equivalent offerings. Wlsonart's standard product is
0.045 inch thick (type 107) and while I have bent it around some pretty
tight corners in thin strips with a heat gun and a lot of patience I
don't recommend it. They also have two other products type 335 and type
350. These are 0.028 and 0.039 inch thick. The type 350/0.039" is used
for post forming and is specified to bend to a 9/16" radius. They offer
a special post forming adhesive, probably better strength than plain
vanilla contact cement. I use it for edge banding when I have tight
radii to deal with.

Look through the Wilsonart web site using "post form" or "post forming.

The basic laminate spec sheet will give you most of the info.

http://www.wilsonart.com/design/technical/techdata.asp

Phil


San_Diego_Flyer wrote:
> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

As Tom Watson stated this is something that really can't be done with
the average shop tools. Here is a link to what some of the machinery you
would need to do this with. This is some of the lesser expensive
equipment out. http://www.evansmachineryinc.com/postform.htm With this
you can do it at home, but there is still making the blank substrate to
put the laminate on. This one runs about $15K and it's manual.

Eric Morehouse
ELM Woodworks, LLC

"Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "San_Diego_Flyer" writes:
>
> > Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
> >
> > I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> > 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> > top.
> >
> > I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> > usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> > the front and then round the edge with a router.
> >
> > The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> > the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> > a materal other than formica?
>
> You don't, use a solid surface material.
>
>
> --
> Lew
>
> S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
Southland)
> Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures

I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a wrapped
front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one here
will make fun of you for saying so.

todd

"Charlie Spitzer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> that's what i meant; you buy it already preformed on the substrate. didn't
> put on your mindreading cap this morning, did you?
>
It would seem that he is not a mind reader. He responded to what you wrote.

"JackD" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>
> "Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:HEednVpALZHUavSiU-> > You don't, use a solid surface material.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Lew
> > >
> > > S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
> > Southland)
> > > Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
> >
> > I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a
> wrapped
> > front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one
> here
> > will make fun of you for saying so.
> >
> > todd
>
>
> Todd,
>
> A countertop factory can form it this way. However, the typical woodworker
> can not produce this sort of radius with common tools.
>
> Just because you can buy something doesn't mean that you can make it
> yourself.
>
> -Jack

What's special about the factory process that makes it hard to duplicate?
I'm not saying what you're saying is incorrect, I'm just curious how the
factory does it. With that said, I'd give serious thought if I was the OP
to purchasing a coutertop with the appropriate wrapped front.

todd

"San_Diego_Flyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

you buy it that way. it's formed at the factory.

"Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:HEednVpALZHUavSiU-> > You don't, use a solid surface material.
> >
> >
> > --
> > Lew
> >
> > S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
> Southland)
> > Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
>
> I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a
wrapped
> front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one
here
> will make fun of you for saying so.
>
> todd


Todd,

A countertop factory can form it this way. However, the typical woodworker
can not produce this sort of radius with common tools.

Just because you can buy something doesn't mean that you can make it
yourself.

-Jack

"Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> "JackD" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:HEednVpALZHUavSiU-> > You don't, use a solid surface material.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Lew
> > > >
> > > > S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
> > > Southland)
> > > > Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
> > >
> > > I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a
> > wrapped
> > > front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one
> > here
> > > will make fun of you for saying so.
> > >
> > > todd
> >
> >
> > Todd,
> >
> > A countertop factory can form it this way. However, the typical
woodworker
> > can not produce this sort of radius with common tools.
> >
> > Just because you can buy something doesn't mean that you can make it
> > yourself.
> >
> > -Jack
>
> What's special about the factory process that makes it hard to duplicate?
> I'm not saying what you're saying is incorrect, I'm just curious how the
> factory does it. With that said, I'd give serious thought if I was the OP
> to purchasing a coutertop with the appropriate wrapped front.
>
> todd

heat. pressure. evenness. multithousand dollar tools to do all these
correctly.

"Tuffie" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 11:13:41 -0700, "Charlie Spitzer"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >
> >"San_Diego_Flyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> >news:[email protected]...
> >> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
> >>
> >> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> >> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> >> top.
> >>
> >> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> >> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> >> the front and then round the edge with a router.
> >>
> >> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> >> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> >> a materal other than formica?
> >
> >you buy it that way. it's formed at the factory.
> >
>
> no you dont "buy it that way". You can buy a post-formed countertop
> which has the edge rolled, but you cannot buy rolled formica, which is
> what the original post referred to.

that's what i meant; you buy it already preformed on the substrate. didn't
put on your mindreading cap this morning, did you?

> Rolling formica involves the application of considerable heat and it
> has to be done so evenly. Cabinet shops generally have an electric
> 'heat bar' to do it with, something thats beyond most home ww'ers.
>
> In any case, the material will not form to a radius thats much less
> than 4" without difficulty, and under 2" its pretty much guaranteed to
> crack.
>
> Further, the original post reads as if the edge will just have a
> (relatively) small roundover, and getting formica over it isn't
> possible.

Clinton,

I make all sorts of things that could be bought, however, there are
limitations.
Care to machine a piston for your car on your trusty lathe? It is
possible....
Care to fabricate a CPU for your favorite computer... well, spend a few
billion and you can make one yourself.

As for the idea that everything good is made by someone you don't know, far
away, well that is idiotic. Why would this be true?

-Jack


"CW" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I love it when someone says "you can't make one of those, you have to buy
> them". It goes right along with the idea that every thing good is made by
> someone you don't know far, far away.
> "JackD" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:HEednVpALZHUavSiU-> > You don't, use a solid surface material.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > Lew
> > > >
> > > > S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
> > > Southland)
> > > > Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
> > >
> > > I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a
> > wrapped
> > > front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one
> > here
> > > will make fun of you for saying so.
> > >
> > > todd
> >
> >
> > Todd,
> >
> > A countertop factory can form it this way. However, the typical
woodworker
> > can not produce this sort of radius with common tools.
> >
> > Just because you can buy something doesn't mean that you can make it
> > yourself.
> >
> > -Jack
> >
> >
>
>

"San_Diego_Flyer" writes:

> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

You don't, use a solid surface material.


--
Lew

S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the Southland)
Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures

"San_Diego_Flyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

All sorts of houses have a laminate counter top with a wood edging on the
front that is beveled. Why not just do that -- probably much much easier.

--randy

Just to wrap of this thread, I've concluded there is no easy way to
bend the laminate around that small radius.

Thus, I'll take another tack -- I'll apply wood trim to the front
instead -- it will still look good.

Thanks for the replies.



[email protected] (San_Diego_Flyer) wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

On Thu, 18 Sep 2003 11:13:41 -0700, "Charlie Spitzer"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"San_Diego_Flyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>>
>> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
>> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
>> top.
>>
>> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
>> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
>> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>>
>> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
>> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
>> a materal other than formica?
>
>you buy it that way. it's formed at the factory.
>

no you dont "buy it that way". You can buy a post-formed countertop
which has the edge rolled, but you cannot buy rolled formica, which is
what the original post referred to.

Rolling formica involves the application of considerable heat and it
has to be done so evenly. Cabinet shops generally have an electric
'heat bar' to do it with, something thats beyond most home ww'ers.

In any case, the material will not form to a radius thats much less
than 4" without difficulty, and under 2" its pretty much guaranteed to
crack.

Further, the original post reads as if the edge will just have a
(relatively) small roundover, and getting formica over it isn't
possible.

I love it when someone says "you can't make one of those, you have to buy
them". It goes right along with the idea that every thing good is made by
someone you don't know far, far away.
"JackD" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:[email protected]...
>
> "Todd" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:HEednVpALZHUavSiU-> > You don't, use a solid surface material.
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > Lew
> > >
> > > S/A: Challenge, The Bullet Proof Boat, (Under Construction in the
> > Southland)
> > > Visit: <http://home.earthlink.net/~lewhodgett> for Pictures
> >
> > I'm sitting at a countertop right now with a laminate top that has a
> wrapped
> > front. So, apparently, it can be done. If you don't know how, no one
> here
> > will make fun of you for saying so.
> >
> > todd
>
>
> Todd,
>
> A countertop factory can form it this way. However, the typical woodworker
> can not produce this sort of radius with common tools.
>
> Just because you can buy something doesn't mean that you can make it
> yourself.
>
> -Jack
>
>

On 18 Sep 2003 10:34:06 -0700, [email protected] (San_Diego_Flyer)
wrote:

>Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
>I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
>3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
>top.
>
>I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
>usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
>the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
>The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
>the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
>a materal other than formica?


Postforming is a process that is done under factory conditions. It
uses heat and pressure in a way that is very difficult to duplicate in
a small shop environment. Also, postformed laminate is of a smaller
thickness than regular plam and may (I can't recall) have a different
formula for its makeup, to allow for the degree of plasticity needed
to form the curve.

Commercial level suppliers will sell you edge materials in the same
colors as the flat lam that will form the round you want when applied.

Check out the Formica website or Wilson Art's.


Regards, Tom
Tom Watson - Woodworker
Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania
http://users.snip.net/~tjwatson

On 18 Sep 2003 10:34:06 -0700, [email protected] (San_Diego_Flyer)
wrote:

>Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
>I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
>3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
>top.
>
>I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
>usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
>the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
>The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
>the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
>a materal other than formica?


I saw a material at a show that might achieve what you want. It is
called GEM LOC. Esentially an mdf backed front counter edge with a
rounded over piece of solid surface top and bottom and laminate in the
middle. has a tongue to fit in a key you rout in the edge of your
substrate. A little pricey (think I remember $13/foot but has a very
nice finished look. I've never installed any so I can't comment on
ease of use. Do a search and you will get all kinds of info on it.

"San_Diego_Flyer" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?

Go buy pre formed counter top.
--
Jim in NC

if it's for the laundry room why not buy a preformed counter top, cut it
to length, and slap it on YOUR cabinet? easy and relatively cheap.
they are available at HD and such.

dave

San_Diego_Flyer wrote:

> Maybe one of you guys can offer some advice.
>
> I need to build a countertop in our laundry room. I plan on using
> 3/4" particle board or MDF and applying laminate (formica or equiv) on
> top.
>
> I want to have a rounded front - but not the small rise (lip) that you
> usually see that keeps water running off. I will glue small piece on
> the front and then round the edge with a router.
>
> The question is, how do you get the formica to bend and form around
> the rounded front without cracking? Do you apply heat or maybe I use
> a materal other than formica?