Technical Information dispelling traditions - Formica

formica_technical.qxd:formica_technical.qxd 28/11/08 16:01 Page 20Hand ToolsCuttingLaminates should be cut with a sharp, fine toothed tenonor dovetail saw held at a low angle. The sheet should besupported on both sides of the cut as close as possibleand over the entire length.The saw must be sharp, otherwise excessive pressure willhave to be applied and this could result in the sheet splitting.Alternatively, laminates can be cut using a scoring tool e.g. aStanley knife with a hooked blade, a hooked scriber or the cornerof a chisel. The sheet should be laid flat on a firm base, decorativeside up. It should then be scored with the scoring tool drawn along astraight-edge using firm pressure, and taking care not to scratchthe surrounding decorative surface. This operation is repeateduntil the decorative surface is cut completely through, revealingthe dark brown core. The sheet should then be broken upwardsagainst the edge of a rigid straight-edge.Cutting round mouldings, pipes etc. should be done witha coping saw.Edge TreatmentsApart from postforming, there are numerous edge treatments thatmay be adopted for both functional and aesthetic considerations.Although pre-edging is preferred, this should not be consideredas a hard and fast rule, since production methods and designcriteria will have a bearing on the sequence of edging.Probably the easiest means of edging a panel is to self-edge withstrips of laminate. The finished arris should be bevelled to 45˚-60˚.Any timber edging included under the laminate should be asnarrow as possible to minimise the risk of shrinkage andsubsequent telegraphing.Where deep edges are required, they should be built up withthe same material and not with solid timber.Dished edges may be produced using laminate faced plywoodcore-boards, by cutting into the edge of the plywood immediatelybelow the top veneer, and glueing in a plywood wedge.Alternatively, a saw-cut can be made in the back of thepanel and a wedge glued-in to raise the edge. In bothcases the angle should be no more than 10 degrees.PlaningTrimming off surplus edges is best done with a small block planewith a low angle blade, which is more easily controlled with onehand than a smoothing plane.Hand finishingFinal finishing of edges should be carried out using a fine fileand a cabinet maker’s scraper.19Formica Limited, Coast Road, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE29 8RE. Tel: 0191 259 3000. Fax: 0191 258 2719.Formica is a registered trade mark of Formica Corporation or its subsidiaries.Technical Services Department April 2004.