Ive been a carpenter for some time now and recently took a position doing solid surface and formica tops. This video is fantastic and greatly appreciated. Anyone doing laminate should watch. Thanks again!
A true craftsman that shares his knowledge without charge is a gift from heaven! As a clueless beginner, thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting these great videos.
I want to thank you for releasing this video. This video was so thorough, it really helped me tackle the old outdated laminate in our kitchen. I'm not a very handy person and I've never used a router before. I also have never worked with laminate sheets, but it turned out great! The time required to make these videos and the fact you're willing to share your professional knowledge is very much appreciated!
Well, I appreciate that you'd take to time to let me know, Shane! It's more important to be an optimistic learner than 'a very handy person' because there's no limit to what you can learn and do when you apply yourself to something new...
Excellent I found this video when I wanted to learn to laminate a laundry folding table, and some shop furniture, e.g. router table top, miter saw table, etc. Unbelievably informative and thankyou for not sliding across a table or making silly jokes.
I don't always have the patience to watch long videos. But I usually look at the video length stamped in the corner before I select a video to watch. When I have the time and patience to watch them. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. Anybody who doesn't like them doesn't have to click on them anyhow.
This is the most thorough treatment of the subject I’ve seen online. Thanks for all the effort in putting together this tutorial video. I feel like I can go from knowing nothing about working with laminate to expert level after this
Thanks for your 'review' of this video. I'm pinning it as the top Comment hoping others will benefit from your opinion plus lessons from the video. That and your name! Best, Matt
Yea. I worked laminate at a high end shop. Moved up pretty fast too. All the way to custom cabinetry for banks and businesses. I had to learn everything from each person who was good at a thing. This video popped up and I let it play to pick it apart, but the man did great! I really can't say much. He did things his way, but it was all proper. This video would have put me ahead of the curve at a time for sure.
I have done quite a bit of laminate work over the years. I lost count of how many times I said "yes!" as I watched this video. And. . . . your 90° metal rip fence attachment was a trick I wished I had known a long time ago.
I realize people complain cause of how long the videos are. But I almost always learn many things from your videos. While i am not a novice carpenter. I know theres always room to grow. Plus you never know when someone elses approach to solving a problem. Might help you solve your next problem. Thanks again for sharing your many years of knowledge with us younger guys. So we can also help keep it alive.
In my younger years, I spent time working in a factory where we made formica laminated furniture (dressers, nightstands, headboards, etc.) You just showed me MORE than what was shown to me then! Perhaps, if they had watched your video, they'd still be in business. I'd like to thank you and Chip for sharing your expertise.
I am sorry, but your video's are never too long and being an old school carpenter I can appreciate the lost tips of our trade. Enjoy the humor as well. Keep up the great work. I just subscribed.
What an amazing class! I'm looking to get laminate on a wall and a lot in the video wasn't immediately applicable to that project, but the thought process and foresight to minimize wear and tear from assembly to finish is something that is broadly applicable. As a hobbyist, I could never hope to get a better class. Thank you profoundly!
You are certainly welcome... it is always rewarding to hear from viewers who find videos from Next Level carpentry useful. Applying laminate to a wall will be exponentially more tricky and difficult than doing smaller projects like the stools shown in this video or countertops. Obviously I don't know details of your project but if the pieces are very large you might consider applying the laminate to 1/4 inch MDF and then putting the laminated MDF panels on the wall rather than directly applying the laminate to the wall. Best of luck with your project!
"Formica Envision" allows for custom graphics printed onto Formica. I'm making my own Formica patterns. This comprehensive video is just what I needed to learn the process. Thank you.
Absolutely fantastic video. This long format really is a "master class". The thoroughness is special & will allow people like me to move forward with confidence. You're a wonderful teacher. Thank you.
Hello Mr. Jackson. Thanks for all the knowledge and work that you put into this video. I've done few laminate jobs in my house (43 years of maintenance and improvements) and I can appreciate the detail and precision you bring to the task. And I sense that necessity was the mother of that extension cord invention, but it is still brilliant and amazingly efficient. You are the master.
Perfect title. This is definitely a master class in laminating. I’ve learned so much watching this video. The edge work on the laminate was something I never knew. With all the prep work to that point, I feel as if I need to laminate something this is the step by step tutorial I will watch again and again to ensure my laminate job comes out good.
Thanks Danny! I did some browsing on TH-cam and noticed a dearth of useful 'instruction' on applying plastic laminate and figured it was a good 'hole to plug' with content. With all the sleek, modern design going around these days is seems only a matter of time until laminate makes a comeback and I hope this video helps viewers like you join in. Best, Matt
There is a wront way, the right way and then there is the MATT JACKSON WAY! The extension cord tip is THE TIP! Thank you as always for sharing your experience and your kindness Clint.
It's a great skillset to include on your resume, isn't it? Even though laminate has fallen from grace in recent years it's good to 'be the guy' who knows how to do it well when it's called for IMHO. Best, Matt
You're too kind, Steve! I've been told many times to keep my day job based on my abilities ads an 'entertainer'... even using the word is being generous! 😉😎
Glad I ran in to your channel. This is the type of stuff I like to see. Experience, clear teaching and a hell of a good video! Thank you for taking the time. You have taught me a whole lot with this video.
I'm glad you came across NLC too. Welcome! I took a quick browse of your channel where it looks like you use SketchUp for planning and design and do nice, clean woodwork on your camper/van build. Please accept my compliments for class and workmanship! I hope you find other videos here on the Channel useful for your current and future projects. Best, Matt
Back on the day when I did LOTS of Formica, laminate work (lots in a production environment) scrapers were made by laminating a scrap of the laminate to a piece of 3/4 something and then cut that to a bevel. With softening of the non scraping edges it made a nice tool that was comfortable in the hand. Just every so often sharpen it on a disk or belt sander. That aside, GREAT VIDEO and provided many tips that we can all put to use. I liked and learned from your detail on filing, SUPER!
Sounds like a cool scraper idea! Much better than just using laminate scraps alone as scrapers because, even though they're useful, they're fragile and break too easily to be useful in demanding situations... th-cam.com/video/NZyCW3cYzFY/w-d-xo.html I'll thank you in advance for if/when I steal your idea and make a video on it! 👍😎
I am impressed, really impressed, to see you reply to comments made on videos made greater than 3 years ago. I took the time to leave the comment because just maybe someone might benefit from it. If you do include it in a future video that would then make my time spent even more worthwhile. I will be interested in how you make the tool look and feel, I am confident it will be SUPER! Finally, I accept your "thank you in advance" as full payment and so relieve you of having to live with a guilty conscience for "stealing the idea". :) @@NextLevelCarpentry
I don't see myself ever building a box or let alone laminating it, but it's nonetheless always a delight to see a master teaching his or her craft. NLC has shared many good videos before, but this one is a genuine master class 👍
This was by far the most entertaining video I've seen recently that came with such a thorough disclaimer about not expecting entertainment. The rest was equally thorough, and I hugely appreciate all the time you both took to make sure we saw every potential issue and how to avoid/resolve each of them during the process. Now it's my turn, so go get a donut!
The production quality is just fine and i LOVE the long and detailed videos. People who just want to watch pretty shots of wood being cut should look up some wood cutting compilations.
Nothing beats experience and having someone outline all of their past ideas in a video like this is invaluable and appreciated. Thank you and I would not worry about length, format or production value, people that cannot appreciate what you are doing aren't worth catering to. Thanks again!
Even though there's a lot of steps involved in getting professional results anyone who does this all day, every day, flies through the process. Having a large shop dedicated to laminating speeds up the process 5x or more. There's a trick and a tool for every conceivable condition too so they can do some amazing stuff when they put their mind to it...
Thanks so much for making this video, time well spent to watch and certainly for what must have been a significate time to edit. Have for several years wanted to tackle laminate projects but really didn't have the confidence to take them on. Thanks to you, I think I'm in the game!
I have watched so many videos and yours stands out from the rest of them by a mile. Clear precise explanation and straight to the point. you don't need to know any more than this. next level=) great!
ha ha. I just listened to your introduction about the different ppl who will view this.... This is my second time watching it... and I have yet to comment..until now..... hmmm... i don't think I commented earlier... oh well... this is a good video! thank you.
Beast is right! If you look closely you'll see a sign on it that says "U.S.S. Powermatic", my view that it's like having an aircraft carrier in my shop... it is an amazing machine... best in class IMHO... but I've done with much less over the years before getting this behemoth. It's not what you got, but how you use it that counts most... Best, Matt
Thanks for this video. I just finished a 48" x 48" fabric cutting table with a 36" folding extension with interior shelving using baltic birch ply with arborite laminate. I used techniques that I had either learned myself or by watching 'old timers' when I was a kid when laminate was just coming into use in kitchens (70's). I liked the way you explained 'why' you did it the way you did it. |When building 1 piece workflow is not as important but because you were building 3 identical pieces I understand why workflow is so important to get the pieces to match. One thing that I learned from an old timer was that you could score large laminate sheets and snap them safely and easily. I just kept scoring with a utility knife and straight edge and cut mine completely through. thought your first cut on the table saw was a bit risky when you did not have to do it that way. Your extension cord idea is fantastic as I found that I could not find enough dowels to get my surface done so used 3/4" ply cut into 3/4" strips. The ply worked well but I wish I watched your video before I laminated my project. I agree with you that the bevel edge is overall the best for visual effect but for my last project I used a 5/32" round over bit to finish as fabric was going to be dragged over the edges of the cutting table. Very nice results and would do it again. Overall great educational video. Wished I saw it earlier. Keep up the good work!
I really appreciate your expertise and your time. Any videos like this for the trades are going to become invaluable over the next few decades. I wish I could shake your hand. On behalf of all young men like myself that have limited instructors and/or facilities, Thank you, Sir. Thank you very, very much. Your work has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
You're most welcome Taylor... thanks for watching and commenting. I sincerely wish you all the best as you pursue a career in carpentry and/or woodwork. It's been most rewarding and fulfilling for this 'ol nail bender so it's an honor to pass along anything you find useful. I have fond memories of my pre-TH-cam mentors for all I gleaned from them and feel it's a worthy legacy. Best, Matt
Very timely. I'm about to do a simple desk with a laminate top for my daughter. Haven't done laminate in decades so this was a great refresher. Long or short, I enjoy your videos.....and your humor.
Excellent class ! Wish i had this info years ago when i did my only ( so far ) laminate job. I was Lucky to have more than enough material because in my first attempts to break the sheet up in smaller pieces it cracked like glass. No luck with the table saw ( not enough teeth on the blade ) and the jig saw was a bigger disaster. Found the oscillating multitool with round blade perfect to cut the sheet and saved my project. Thanks again Matt for this masterclass ,the time flew by and it was just as entertaining as instructional.👍👌 Greetings from Belgium.
Excellent video man. Having laid much laminate in my finish Carpenter days, your comment at the beginning,"many ways this can go wrong "was well stated!! Keeping the two sides laminated and substrate clean could not be over emphasized. Pimples can arise out of nowhere. A u-shaped kitchen countertop with precise mitered joints on the corners , and scribe cut walls , will separate out the men from the boys. I know absolutely you could handle it,but the novice would be exercised in getting it done well, especially when his shop is a cluttered kitchen itself. Thankfully those intense days are over for me, but it was a great learning experience in life. All of your tips should be very much followed in spite of they're perceived triviality. Only the foolish would not heed them!! Thanks again.
That was absolutely fantastic, I don't care if you make long videos. Excellent tutorials on this . I loved your Master Class, just learned so much. Thank you!
Love your videos man. While at work I listen to a lot of videos to mentally pass time when I’m doing things in auto pilot. On your videos I alway expect that I am going to learn something so I have to legit watch them
Thanks for saying William... glad to know you feel like you learn things from Next Level carpentry videos... I'm always happy to share with those who find them useful. I will ask you to keep your comments relevant to the content of the video as a couple other comments from you on Next Level carpentry may be e well-intended but are misplaced here. Cool? Cool... 😎👍
@@NextLevelCarpentry rather than not being playful and joking I chose to just leave the channel. Love the content but refuse to conform to woke culture
Been using the solvent based contact cement for over fifty years. I shy away from that new fangled stuff. Glad to hear it works well. Might nave to try it. One thing I like about the solvent based stuff is you can remove a misplaced piece by flooding the joint with lacquer thinner. Thank you for posting, excellent work.
I was slow to convert from solvent to water based Barry but, from one long-timer to another, I'd NEVER switch back. Please note that all water based stuff is NOT created equal. Lots of stuff that's available to the general public is useless in both solvent based and water based. I don't like the same product used in the video in the 'green' type so I've settled on the Neutral as my go-to stuff for almost 10 years. Best, Matt
Looking for your previous videos and found this one. Reminds me of what happened the first time I ever worked with laminate countertops. It was about 1980 or so and it was my second job in the trades. I got a job at a small cabinet shop. I was green. So green, I barely knew which end of the tape measure to read. I don't remember how many gouges, (sanding through the top veneer), I put in the top of a sheet of cabinet grade plywood with the belt sander, but it was a lot. After my first week, another guy with a little more experience was hired because he had a big job coming up. In the meantime, we had a job to install new laminate kitchen countertops in place. So we go to the condominium and get started by removing the old laminate. Then we prep the substrate. We thought we had turned all the gas off to the appliances, but we forgot about the pilot for the oven. We started brushing the contact cement on the tops when all of a sudden, there was a whoosh! and we had a flash fire in this small kitchen. It looked like the Keystone cops, 3 grown men all trying to escape through a two foot door opening at the same time. Thankfully we had a fire extinguisher handy and were able to put the fire out. Although we avoided a complete disaster, all the cabinet faces and sides were scorched and the owner was going to get a brand new set of cabinets in the bargain. We got back to the shop and I got a pink slip. I don't blame the guy. The new hire had more experience and he just took a big hit on that small job that turned into an unexpected unpaid big job. Learn from experience, ha ha.
Thanks for the compliment on this one Joe... I invest similar effort on other videos on Next Level Carpentry in an attempt to share in-depth 'comprehensive instruction' on other topics so I hope you get a chance to browse other videos on the Channel too! Best, Matt
Plastic laminate always looked like a "finish" that really can't be replicated with anything else (maybe epoxy?). It surprises me it's not covered often. Thank you so much for this movie-size video class.
I had the privilege of working around a few reluctant mentors in the world of laminate but, outside that, there was a lot of trial and error and winging it, guided by common sense. I get the idea that was your experience as well. It's an interesting thought experiment to imagine how our career trajectory would have been different if TH-cam were around back in the day...
@@NextLevelCarpentry If TH-cam was around then my hole world would be different. Kids today don't know how good they have it with this technology. By the way have you tried PSA VENEER. This is all I use now for cabinet refacing (no dry time and it holds exactly the same)
Excellent Video and I just subscribed. I've watched some of your other videos and they always helped me increase my knowledge and skill level. I just built a custom floating media cabinet and I'm laminating a 1/2" piece of plywood to attach to the sides and top to give it a contrast to the shaker style front. Your video was right on the money for what I was looking for. I love the detail and couldn't find anything similar on TH-cam. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make the videos as I understand how much goes into shooting the videos and editing when you're trying to finish a project. I have 12 DIY building projects that I've completed and shot video on and haven't edited any yet, due to the time it takes, so again thank you! I'm only 1/4 way through the video and already learned a ton. I've sanded a lot of projects and never used the squiggly line method, which I'll start using right away. Also using the belt sander. I usually just use an orbital sander given that I dont' have a dedicated shop like you. 1 question. What type of material is the board that you were using to mix the bondo on? Plastic or glass and where would you go to purchase one. I have been using the pink DAX filler so far for larger dents and then finishing off with the red bondo putty, but it takes me a lot of coatings due to shrinkage. It looks like the Bondo mix is the better way to go. Thanks!
First off: editing all that video is a LOT more work than applying plastic laminate IMHO! 😉😯😎 I wouldn't recommend using anything under Bondo, mainly because it's unnecessary but also you'll end up with a mess if the stuff underneath shrinks. Bondo doesn't shrink and can be applied in coats of virtually any thickness. One coat can fill 2" deep as fast as it can fill 1/4". The mixing board I use is just a scrap piece of 1/4" plexiglass about 12" square with a hole drilled in it (using a hole saw) that helps me hold on to it... you should make one if you're doing much bondo work at all. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! All the best as you tackle the learning curve for editing and producing videos... it's worth doing but not for the faint of heart IMHO. Best, Matt
Glad I found this video.. building a miter saw station for repetitive cutting, and using Formica white microdot for the final top and this is my first go at laminating. It took me like 3 nights of watching in chunks (lol) but there are great tips all the way thru.. Thanks a ton!!
Formica is a great work surface Barry... hope your 1st attempt ends in success rather than frustration after your in-depth training session! 😁😎 Best, Matt
I think you’re gonna make 250K, Matt! Your willingness to show the “human side” of being an expert craftsman, while at the same time being confident in your skills has drawn me in! I’m a dedicated hand tool woodworker, but as I’ve gotten a bit more “seasoned,”😉 I find I need steps like material prep and dimensioning to go faster, and to be more accurate. And I appreciate that you work in a small garage shop, and not in a warehouse-sized production facility... although I do envy your tidiness and since of organization.😊. Keep up the good work, brother!
Thanks for your comment here VbH... 250K is on the near horizon and I'm thankful to viewer like you who make that vision a reality! My credo for shop size & price of tools is "it's not what you got that counts but how you use it" and sense you might agree? Best, Matt
Excellent master class! next month November on the third Wednesday when I get paid, I will definitely send you your well-deserved tip. Man! did I learn a lot. Thank You!!!
The angle section next to the fence is a smart idea! I’ve cut dozens of 2600 x 1300 sheets into 750 x 270 strips with a table saw. My basement workshop is much smaller than yours and each time I did those cuts I had to build extensions to the table.
I'm already subscribed. Replacing my kitchen cabinets with homebuilt ones. Need a 96" track saw and table because I'm limited to 48' with my current track saw. I've never been able to get completely square cuts with a guide and circular saw. Festool cordless saw and TSO ruler guides will work, and a Bora Centipede with 4 2 x 4' fold up tabletops.
As always, I watched every minute and I'm constantly impressed at your process. But...who the heck is asking for formica these days? Also, I prefer the longer videos.
I've been doing home office cabinets and bookshelves with the 0.049" Wilsonart laminate and edgebanding. Thank you for the extension cord tip, I will definitely use that one on the tabletops (20" x 96", 20" x 67" and 20" x 48"). Rather than a file, I use a DuraGrit 120 sanding bar (basically a 1/8" x 10" strip of carbide sanding grit). I've never heard of using the 22° trim bit before, but that is an interesting idea. You must golf like I do; deep in the weeds. I usually avoid the fairways. Too many other players there. When I see the pros sweat when they end up in a tough lie, I just say piece of cake. I've been there many times before.
I've worked in a Formica countertop shop making tops all day, every day. Our solution for stray chips becoming trapped under the laminate after gluing was to use a length of metal pallet band strapping with a V bird's mouth cut into the side near the end with tin snips to create a hook, mark the bump's location and note the distance from the edge of the laminate, and gently pry the unpressurized laminate from the edge just enough to insert the flat strapping in under the laminate and out to the chip's location, and fish the chip out from under the laminate. It worked almost without fail, otherwise we used the hammer method to drive the chip into the substrate, but that can cause the laminate to star-crack over the chip ever so slightly no matter how carefully done. Once the chip is removed, the laminate can be rolled down to be pressure-bonded to the substrate.
Thank you for this great video, Matt - I am preparing to laminate some plywood for my drill press. This will remind me of the important steps to get a good result.
Great video. To the point and emphasized important details that make for a great product. Though laminate isn’t quite so elegant as many materials today it really is an amazingly durable surface and affordable to boot. Thanks!!!
You never disappoint. This knowledge will certainly help me continue to put food on the table. I sincerely appreciate all the content you Give. Helping others is an awesome way to bring heaven a little closer to earth. ( edit: its worth noting , some contact cement may suggest coating porous materials like mdf or wood twice. Drying between coats)
Thanks for such a great, lengthy, info packed video! I have no experience with formica/laminate but this video was a big help to study in preparation for my upcoming project.
💥 Thank you so much for this incredibly informative video. I’m having a hard time trusting that water based contact cement is durable and effective at gluing up laminates like the solvent based products are 🤟🏼
Hey James, I understand your skepticism regarding water based contact cement... I too was dubious initially because I had a bad experience with a different brand... Weldwood, I think... but I'm a total convert to 3M Fastbond. Unlike solvent based products, you can barely smell this stuff in use. It doesn't get all globby from evaporation like solvent based, it's thinner/more runny too, so it's much easier to roll on and doesn't collect chips like thick/gooey solvent based products either. With decades of experience using it, I can truly say that "If it doesn't work, you're doing it wrong". Not only is it 5X more user friendly, it performs remarkably well over time. I've never once had a product-related failure using it. Pay close attention to the preparation steps seen in the video since, like any contact cement, even a single crumb under a sheet of laminate can spoil the whole project. Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks so much for this in depth reply. It’s been over 35 years since I’ve worked with laminate. I built a receptionist desk for a hair salon complete with a drawer and writing ledge. One thing that I do remember was that clumping and semi dry build up and small gooey balls that you referred to as the solvent dried at different rates in areas where it was thinner. I recall having to scrape it out occasionally which was a real pain. I’m believing what you are saying about the 3M being more user friendly in that sense but I recently called Formica and I thought he said to only use a solvent based product. I can’t say 100% but I’m pretty sure he said that.
@@Jimmy_Cavallo It would really surprise me if Formica said that about 3M... I'd check back with them to make sure because Fastbond is SO much better than anything else. Personally I'd disregard any white-coat from Formica over anyone at a cabinet shop who applies Formica products. Let me know if you get an actual statement from Formica about 'solvent only' contact cement? Thx, Matt
Thank you for posting this click-able chapter list for this video EmElTea... much appreciated! I'll pin it for others' convenience. I don't include it in the video description in lieu of other information provided there... Best, Matt
The 60 tooth blade I use in the video is just about right: too few teeth and you get chips, too many and you have to push harder and it can tend to 'burn' in the cut. Best, Matt
Excellent video. If memory serves me, the Formica and and Marlite I used to work with in the 60's and 70's was heavier and stiffer. It was prone to chipping and cracking if miscut or mishandled. I still smell Formica cement in my nightmares. :-)
That was back in the day of what is now called "standard thickness " laminate. It is still available. Now to the best of my knowledge, you can order standard, post form and vertical grade laminate.
An other excellent video. Chock filled with useful info. Bugger the nay-sayers. This is perfect for us in the business who are looking for a different point of view or a difference of experience. Keep it up.
Nice video!! My work is 95%laminated work! I do almost the same as you!some difference! I cut the big laminated on a foam board 4'x8' with a circular saw! After that is all the same as you did except that I only use trim bit,chisel plane, and maybe a file! My chisel plane tock the job of the bevel bit! If you haven't try! Really recommend it!!
Cutting big laminate on foam board it genius evascroll!! Thanks for adding it here... I'll have to remember for future use. The idea of using a chisel plane on laminate seems dicey to me but imagine that's because I've not seen how well it works for you. I do like the outside the box concept though... Best, Matt
Belt sander will get away from you if you're not used to using one. I'm making a cabinet in which I will Formica the sides as well as the top, so this is a new experience for me.
Good work takes time... and a Good Time takes work... always enjoy your videos. You put a lot of hard work into it and it shows. Thanks for the knowledge.
I done a lot of laminate jobs over the years but it is always nice to learn something new, I learned a few things I have always used the solvent based glue but then it has been a few years since I have done much of it and water based glues have come a long way since then. I am not sure I like the 22.5* bit for a laminate over laminate seam. but is a nice tip when you are needing to add a little reveal on a wood edge, I use a belt sander belt on a block of wood to go over the sharp edges on larger areas and a file where appropriate. I use Toluene instead of Laquerr thinner, its not as nasty to the nose. I like the idea of a laminate scraper not a bad idea for a number of projects.
Hey Thom, There's definitely a lot of individual preferences when it comes to this sort of work and the one that works best for you is the best one to use. FWIW the only water based contact cement that I'll use is the neutral 3M fastbond. Seems like I tried a weldwood version once upon a time and it was terrible but the 3M stuff is amazing. Best, Matt
Ive been a carpenter for some time now and recently took a position doing solid surface and formica tops. This video is fantastic and greatly appreciated. Anyone doing laminate should watch. Thanks again!
Thanks for the nice comment/endorsement... hope your new career direction takes you to your own Next Level!
A true craftsman that shares his knowledge without charge is a gift from heaven! As a clueless beginner, thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting these great videos.
You're quite welcome... thank YOU for watching and commenting!
I don't care if you make long videos or short videos, I really enjoy learning what you have to teach. Great video as always.
I want to thank you for releasing this video. This video was so thorough, it really helped me tackle the old outdated laminate in our kitchen. I'm not a very handy person and I've never used a router before. I also have never worked with laminate sheets, but it turned out great! The time required to make these videos and the fact you're willing to share your professional knowledge is very much appreciated!
Well, I appreciate that you'd take to time to let me know, Shane! It's more important to be an optimistic learner than 'a very handy person' because there's no limit to what you can learn and do when you apply yourself to something new...
Excellent I found this video when I wanted to learn to laminate a laundry folding table, and some shop furniture, e.g. router table top, miter saw table, etc. Unbelievably informative and thankyou for not sliding across a table or making silly jokes.
Glad to hear it Len... FWIW I am guilty on occasion of 'making silly jokes' but have yet to include a table slide in video antics.😉😂
I don't always have the patience to watch long videos. But I usually look at the video length stamped in the corner before I select a video to watch. When I have the time and patience to watch them. I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. Anybody who doesn't like them doesn't have to click on them anyhow.
My thoughts exactly Howard...
Thanks for watching and commenting on this one...
I would like to take this time to thank you for your time & effort in putting these videos together.
Always top notch & greatly appreciated!
Very well said. My sentiments exactly.
This is the most thorough treatment of the subject I’ve seen online. Thanks for all the effort in putting together this tutorial video. I feel like I can go from knowing nothing about working with laminate to expert level after this
Thanks for your 'review' of this video. I'm pinning it as the top Comment hoping others will benefit from your opinion plus lessons from the video. That and your name!
Best,
Matt
Yea. I worked laminate at a high end shop. Moved up pretty fast too. All the way to custom cabinetry for banks and businesses. I had to learn everything from each person who was good at a thing. This video popped up and I let it play to pick it apart, but the man did great! I really can't say much. He did things his way, but it was all proper. This video would have put me ahead of the curve at a time for sure.
@@MegalithicMentality "let it play to pick it apart..." so I'm not the only one who does that?! 😉🤣😎
I have done quite a bit of laminate work over the years. I lost count of how many times I said "yes!" as I watched this video. And. . . . your 90° metal rip fence attachment was a trick I wished I had known a long time ago.
Always appreciate your kind of feedback Jeff... I'll bet you know a few tricks I don't but wish I did back in the day!
Thank you.I come from a long line of master craftsman and can appreciate the professionalism and experience that generates your videos .
A line of master craftsmen is a good line to be in IMHO. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I realize people complain cause of how long the videos are. But I almost always learn many things from your videos. While i am not a novice carpenter. I know theres always room to grow. Plus you never know when someone elses approach to solving a problem. Might help you solve your next problem. Thanks again for sharing your many years of knowledge with us younger guys. So we can also help keep it alive.
In my younger years, I spent time working in a factory where we made formica laminated furniture (dressers, nightstands, headboards, etc.) You just showed me MORE than what was shown to me then! Perhaps, if they had watched your video, they'd still be in business. I'd like to thank you and Chip for sharing your expertise.
I am sorry, but your video's are never too long and being an old school carpenter I can appreciate the lost tips of our trade. Enjoy the humor as well. Keep up the great work. I just subscribed.
What an amazing class! I'm looking to get laminate on a wall and a lot in the video wasn't immediately applicable to that project, but the thought process and foresight to minimize wear and tear from assembly to finish is something that is broadly applicable. As a hobbyist, I could never hope to get a better class. Thank you profoundly!
You are certainly welcome... it is always rewarding to hear from viewers who find videos from Next Level carpentry useful. Applying laminate to a wall will be exponentially more tricky and difficult than doing smaller projects like the stools shown in this video or countertops. Obviously I don't know details of your project but if the pieces are very large you might consider applying the laminate to 1/4 inch MDF and then putting the laminated MDF panels on the wall rather than directly applying the laminate to the wall. Best of luck with your project!
"Formica Envision" allows for custom graphics printed onto Formica. I'm making my own Formica patterns. This comprehensive video is just what I needed to learn the process. Thank you.
Cool... sounds interesting! This process should serve you well for all your application needs.
Best,
Matt
Absolutely fantastic video. This long format really is a "master class". The thoroughness is special & will allow people like me to move forward with confidence. You're a wonderful teacher. Thank you.
Thanks for sayin' Don... be prepared to do a bit of practice and start out on a manageable project to build confidence... Best, Matt
This has to be one of the best instructional videos I have seen online! Thank you for sharing your skill(s). Well done, sir!
Thanks for watching and commenting on this one Alan! Pls share this and other Next Level Carpentry videos with your friends and social media?
Absolutely the best video and narrator out there so far.Congratulations
Hello Mr. Jackson. Thanks for all the knowledge and work that you put into this video. I've done few laminate jobs in my house (43 years of maintenance and improvements) and I can appreciate the detail and precision you bring to the task. And I sense that necessity was the mother of that extension cord invention, but it is still brilliant and amazingly efficient. You are the master.
Congrats on 250k subscribers! I’m rewatching this video for the third time before laminating my shop countertops this weekend. Cheers!
Thanks for noticing 250k subscribers Andrew... best of luck on your laminating project. I predict you will impress Yourself by how well it goes😁😎
Perfect title. This is definitely a master class in laminating. I’ve learned so much watching this video. The edge work on the laminate was something I never knew. With all the prep work to that point, I feel as if I need to laminate something this is the step by step tutorial I will watch again and again to ensure my laminate job comes out good.
Thanks Danny! I did some browsing on TH-cam and noticed a dearth of useful 'instruction' on applying plastic laminate and figured it was a good 'hole to plug' with content. With all the sleek, modern design going around these days is seems only a matter of time until laminate makes a comeback and I hope this video helps viewers like you join in. Best, Matt
There is a wront way, the right way and then there is the MATT JACKSON WAY! The extension cord tip is THE TIP! Thank you as always for sharing your experience and your kindness Clint.
Great video, I use to be a professional cabinet maker, for 20plus years. And did tons of mica work and I learned something new, thank you.
It's a great skillset to include on your resume, isn't it? Even though laminate has fallen from grace in recent years it's good to 'be the guy' who knows how to do it well when it's called for IMHO. Best, Matt
Sir: As for me, “time stamps are unwarranted.” I thoroughly enjoy the process from start to finish! That’s the way I learn. Semper Fi
Thank you for you service bro!
Matt, never thought of you as an entertainer. But, you are one hell of a teacher. Keep it up.
You're too kind, Steve! I've been told many times to keep my day job based on my abilities ads an 'entertainer'... even using the word is being generous! 😉😎
Glad I ran in to your channel. This is the type of stuff I like to see. Experience, clear teaching and a hell of a good video! Thank you for taking the time. You have taught me a whole lot with this video.
I'm glad you came across NLC too. Welcome! I took a quick browse of your channel where it looks like you use SketchUp for planning and design and do nice, clean woodwork on your camper/van build. Please accept my compliments for class and workmanship! I hope you find other videos here on the Channel useful for your current and future projects.
Best,
Matt
Back on the day when I did LOTS of Formica, laminate work (lots in a production environment) scrapers were made by laminating a scrap of the laminate to a piece of 3/4 something and then cut that to a bevel. With softening of the non scraping edges it made a nice tool that was comfortable in the hand. Just every so often sharpen it on a disk or belt sander. That aside, GREAT VIDEO and provided many tips that we can all put to use. I liked and learned from your detail on filing, SUPER!
Sounds like a cool scraper idea! Much better than just using laminate scraps alone as scrapers because, even though they're useful, they're fragile and break too easily to be useful in demanding situations...
th-cam.com/video/NZyCW3cYzFY/w-d-xo.html
I'll thank you in advance for if/when I steal your idea and make a video on it! 👍😎
I am impressed, really impressed, to see you reply to comments made on videos made greater than 3 years ago. I took the time to leave the comment because just maybe someone might benefit from it. If you do include it in a future video that would then make my time spent even more worthwhile. I will be interested in how you make the tool look and feel, I am confident it will be SUPER! Finally, I accept your "thank you in advance" as full payment and so relieve you of having to live with a guilty conscience for "stealing the idea". :) @@NextLevelCarpentry
I don't see myself ever building a box or let alone laminating it, but it's nonetheless always a delight to see a master teaching his or her craft. NLC has shared many good videos before, but this one is a genuine master class 👍
Made my day Thomas... thank you! Best, Matt
This was by far the most entertaining video I've seen recently that came with such a thorough disclaimer about not expecting entertainment. The rest was equally thorough, and I hugely appreciate all the time you both took to make sure we saw every potential issue and how to avoid/resolve each of them during the process. Now it's my turn, so go get a donut!
The production quality is just fine and i LOVE the long and detailed videos. People who just want to watch pretty shots of wood being cut should look up some wood cutting compilations.
Nothing beats experience and having someone outline all of their past ideas in a video like this is invaluable and appreciated. Thank you and I would not worry about length, format or production value, people that cannot appreciate what you are doing aren't worth catering to. Thanks again!
Being a Construction Building and Design-Engineer student, I appreciate quality-work. Great-tips and tricks, love the vidz.
Man don't feel like you need to apologize to me I I appreciate what you're showing us
Perfect timing... I'm in the process of applying a laminate to a table I made. I always enjoy your videos!
I have such a deeper appreciation for department store displays. Never realized how much work formica is.
Even though there's a lot of steps involved in getting professional results anyone who does this all day, every day, flies through the process. Having a large shop dedicated to laminating speeds up the process 5x or more. There's a trick and a tool for every conceivable condition too so they can do some amazing stuff when they put their mind to it...
Thanks so much for making this video, time well spent to watch and certainly for what must have been a significate time to edit. Have for several years wanted to tackle laminate projects but really didn't have the confidence to take them on. Thanks to you, I think I'm in the game!
Start to finish. Much work and detailing has taken place. As a layman, much, has been learned. Semper Fi
I have watched so many videos and yours stands out from the rest of them by a mile. Clear precise explanation and straight to the point. you don't need to know any more than this. next level=) great!
ha ha. I just listened to your introduction about the different ppl who will view this.... This is my second time watching it... and I have yet to comment..until now..... hmmm... i don't think I commented earlier... oh well... this is a good video! thank you.
Wow that jointer you have in the back is a beast, red with envy.
Thanks for the video; A to Z, very helpful.
Beast is right! If you look closely you'll see a sign on it that says "U.S.S. Powermatic", my view that it's like having an aircraft carrier in my shop... it is an amazing machine... best in class IMHO... but I've done with much less over the years before getting this behemoth. It's not what you got, but how you use it that counts most...
Best, Matt
Thanks for this video. I just finished a 48" x 48" fabric cutting table with a 36" folding extension with interior shelving using baltic birch ply with arborite laminate. I used techniques that I had either learned myself or by watching 'old timers' when I was a kid when laminate was just coming into use in kitchens (70's). I liked the way you explained 'why' you did it the way you did it. |When building 1 piece workflow is not as important but because you were building 3 identical pieces I understand why workflow is so important to get the pieces to match. One thing that I learned from an old timer was that you could score large laminate sheets and snap them safely and easily. I just kept scoring with a utility knife and straight edge and cut mine completely through. thought your first cut on the table saw was a bit risky when you did not have to do it that way. Your extension cord idea is fantastic as I found that I could not find enough dowels to get my surface done so used 3/4" ply cut into 3/4" strips. The ply worked well but I wish I watched your video before I laminated my project. I agree with you that the bevel edge is overall the best for visual effect but for my last project I used a 5/32" round over bit to finish as fabric was going to be dragged over the edges of the cutting table. Very nice results and would do it again. Overall great educational video. Wished I saw it earlier. Keep up the good work!
I really appreciate your expertise and your time. Any videos like this for the trades are going to become invaluable over the next few decades. I wish I could shake your hand. On behalf of all young men like myself that have limited instructors and/or facilities, Thank you, Sir. Thank you very, very much. Your work has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.
You're most welcome Taylor... thanks for watching and commenting. I sincerely wish you all the best as you pursue a career in carpentry and/or woodwork. It's been most rewarding and fulfilling for this 'ol nail bender so it's an honor to pass along anything you find useful. I have fond memories of my pre-TH-cam mentors for all I gleaned from them and feel it's a worthy legacy.
Best,
Matt
Very timely. I'm about to do a simple desk with a laminate top for my daughter. Haven't done laminate in decades so this was a great refresher. Long or short, I enjoy your videos.....and your humor.
Excellent class ! Wish i had this info years ago when i did my only ( so far ) laminate job.
I was Lucky to have more than enough material because in my first attempts to break the sheet up in smaller pieces it cracked like glass. No luck with the table saw ( not enough teeth on the blade ) and the jig saw was a bigger disaster. Found the oscillating multitool with round blade perfect to cut the sheet and saved my project. Thanks again Matt for this masterclass ,the time flew by and it was just as entertaining as instructional.👍👌 Greetings from Belgium.
The one thing that I’ve just picked up is the power cord trick
I love that thank you 🙏
You're sure welcome and I think that you'll find that it works even better on large pieces if you ever have a project that requires it...
Best, Matt
Excellent video man. Having laid much laminate in my finish Carpenter days, your comment at the beginning,"many ways this can go wrong "was well stated!! Keeping the two sides laminated and substrate clean could not be over emphasized. Pimples can arise out of nowhere.
A u-shaped kitchen countertop with precise mitered joints on the corners , and scribe cut walls , will separate out the men from the boys.
I know absolutely you could handle it,but the novice would be exercised in getting it done well, especially when his shop is a cluttered kitchen itself. Thankfully those intense days are over for me, but it was a great learning experience in life.
All of your tips should be very much followed in spite of they're perceived triviality. Only the foolish would not heed them!! Thanks again.
That was absolutely fantastic, I don't care if you make long videos. Excellent tutorials on this .
I loved your Master Class, just learned so much.
Thank you!
That angle attachment for your tablesaw fence is pretty clever. Lately, I've had really good luck cutting Formica with my M18 tracksaw.
I appreciate how thorough you are in your explanation, as well as your execution.
That was absolutely fantastic. I feel ready to tackle any laminate project now.
0:00 Beginning
2:57 Conditions Explained
7:20 Fill & Prepare Surfaces
16:00 Cutting Laminate
32:30 Prep Laminate & Apply Contact Cement
50:10 Applying Laminate
1:00:45 In-Depth Laminate Application
1:28:48 Advanced Laminate Application
1:35:30 Final Filing & Clean Up
If you copy/paste this into your description, it'll create automatic chapters in the video.
I love your vids. They are not too long, when you are truly intend to teach someone a process correctly. Extremely informative!
Great job!! Love your attention to detail which is what makes the difference between an ok job to top notch professional
Love your videos man. While at work I listen to a lot of videos to mentally pass time when I’m doing things in auto pilot. On your videos I alway expect that I am going to learn something so I have to legit watch them
Thanks for saying William... glad to know you feel like you learn things from Next Level carpentry videos... I'm always happy to share with those who find them useful. I will ask you to keep your comments relevant to the content of the video as a couple other comments from you on Next Level carpentry may be e well-intended but are misplaced here. Cool? Cool... 😎👍
@@NextLevelCarpentry rather than not being playful and joking I chose to just leave the channel. Love the content but refuse to conform to woke culture
@@williammorris3303 I hear you on THAT!! Hope you choose to 'stay' at Next Level Carpentry in the meantime?
I appreciate you video and your kindness for continuing to make good videos
Been using the solvent based contact cement for over fifty years. I shy away from that new fangled stuff. Glad to hear it works well. Might nave to try it. One thing I like about the solvent based stuff is you can remove a misplaced piece by flooding the joint with lacquer thinner. Thank you for posting, excellent work.
I was slow to convert from solvent to water based Barry but, from one long-timer to another, I'd NEVER switch back. Please note that all water based stuff is NOT created equal. Lots of stuff that's available to the general public is useless in both solvent based and water based. I don't like the same product used in the video in the 'green' type so I've settled on the Neutral as my go-to stuff for almost 10 years. Best, Matt
Looking for your previous videos and found this one. Reminds me of what happened the first time I ever worked with laminate countertops.
It was about 1980 or so and it was my second job in the trades. I got a job at a small cabinet shop. I was green. So green, I barely knew which end of the tape measure to read.
I don't remember how many gouges, (sanding through the top veneer), I put in the top of a sheet of cabinet grade plywood with the belt sander, but it was a lot. After my first week, another guy with a little more experience was hired because he had a big job coming up. In the meantime, we had a job to install new laminate kitchen countertops in place.
So we go to the condominium and get started by removing the old laminate. Then we prep the substrate. We thought we had turned all the gas off to the appliances, but we forgot about the pilot for the oven.
We started brushing the contact cement on the tops when all of a sudden, there was a whoosh! and we had a flash fire in this small kitchen. It looked like the Keystone cops, 3 grown men all trying to escape through a two foot door opening at the same time. Thankfully we had a fire extinguisher handy and were able to put the fire out. Although we avoided a complete disaster, all the cabinet faces and sides were scorched and the owner was going to get a brand new set of cabinets in the bargain.
We got back to the shop and I got a pink slip. I don't blame the guy. The new hire had more experience and he just took a big hit on that small job that turned into an unexpected unpaid big job.
Learn from experience, ha ha.
Great story David... I can see it now! Pure pandemonium on the jobsite 😲😬🤣🤣
Another excellent video. Your videos, especially this one, provide enough complete steps for a beginner to get great results the first time.
This was a great video. I’ve never seen such a comprehensive instruction. Thanks for all your effort.
Thanks for the compliment on this one Joe... I invest similar effort on other videos on Next Level Carpentry in an attempt to share in-depth 'comprehensive instruction' on other topics so I hope you get a chance to browse other videos on the Channel too! Best, Matt
Plastic laminate always looked like a "finish" that really can't be replicated with anything else (maybe epoxy?). It surprises me it's not covered often. Thank you so much for this movie-size video class.
Great class! I wish I had you as a teacher 30 years ago. Im a master cabinet refacer
I had the privilege of working around a few reluctant mentors in the world of laminate but, outside that, there was a lot of trial and error and winging it, guided by common sense. I get the idea that was your experience as well. It's an interesting thought experiment to imagine how our career trajectory would have been different if TH-cam were around back in the day...
@@NextLevelCarpentry If TH-cam was around then my hole world would be different. Kids today don't know how good they have it with this technology. By the way have you tried PSA VENEER. This is all I use now for cabinet refacing (no dry time and it holds exactly the same)
Your videos are possibly the most informative on wood working. Thanks.
Excellent Video and I just subscribed. I've watched some of your other videos and they always helped me increase my knowledge and skill level.
I just built a custom floating media cabinet and I'm laminating a 1/2" piece of plywood to attach to the sides and top to give it a contrast to the shaker style front. Your video was right on the money for what I was looking for. I love the detail and couldn't find anything similar on TH-cam. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to make the videos as I understand how much goes into shooting the videos and editing when you're trying to finish a project. I have 12 DIY building projects that I've completed and shot video on and haven't edited any yet, due to the time it takes, so again thank you! I'm only 1/4 way through the video and already learned a ton. I've sanded a lot of projects and never used the squiggly line method, which I'll start using right away. Also using the belt sander. I usually just use an orbital sander given that I dont' have a dedicated shop like you.
1 question. What type of material is the board that you were using to mix the bondo on? Plastic or glass and where would you go to purchase one. I have been using the pink DAX filler so far for larger dents and then finishing off with the red bondo putty, but it takes me a lot of coatings due to shrinkage. It looks like the Bondo mix is the better way to go. Thanks!
First off: editing all that video is a LOT more work than applying plastic laminate IMHO! 😉😯😎
I wouldn't recommend using anything under Bondo, mainly because it's unnecessary but also you'll end up with a mess if the stuff underneath shrinks. Bondo doesn't shrink and can be applied in coats of virtually any thickness. One coat can fill 2" deep as fast as it can fill 1/4".
The mixing board I use is just a scrap piece of 1/4" plexiglass about 12" square with a hole drilled in it (using a hole saw) that helps me hold on to it... you should make one if you're doing much bondo work at all.
Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing! All the best as you tackle the learning curve for editing and producing videos... it's worth doing but not for the faint of heart IMHO.
Best,
Matt
Glad I found this video.. building a miter saw station for repetitive cutting, and using Formica white microdot for the final top and this is my first go at laminating. It took me like 3 nights of watching in chunks (lol) but there are great tips all the way thru.. Thanks a ton!!
Formica is a great work surface Barry... hope your 1st attempt ends in success rather than frustration after your in-depth training session! 😁😎 Best, Matt
I feel like my brain got bigger after watching this. thank you for this in-depth tutorial
I think you’re gonna make 250K, Matt! Your willingness to show the “human side” of being an expert craftsman, while at the same time being confident in your skills has drawn me in! I’m a dedicated hand tool woodworker, but as I’ve gotten a bit more “seasoned,”😉 I find I need steps like material prep and dimensioning to go faster, and to be more accurate. And I appreciate that you work in a small garage shop, and not in a warehouse-sized production facility... although I do envy your tidiness and since of organization.😊. Keep up the good work, brother!
Thanks for your comment here VbH... 250K is on the near horizon and I'm thankful to viewer like you who make that vision a reality! My credo for shop size & price of tools is "it's not what you got that counts but how you use it" and sense you might agree? Best, Matt
Excellent master class! next month November on the third Wednesday when I get paid, I will definitely send you your well-deserved tip. Man! did I learn a lot. Thank You!!!
A 'tip' is welcome but not necessary... hope you can put what you learned here to use! Best, Matt
Well done, Matt. Your craftsmanship certainly shows in everything you do. Best regards.
Thanks for watching, commenting... and complimenting Lost Mountain restoration! Best, Matt
God bless and thank you for showing us how to laminate step by step and all details. Many thanks
The angle section next to the fence is a smart idea! I’ve cut dozens of 2600 x 1300 sheets into 750 x 270 strips with a table saw. My basement workshop is much smaller than yours and each time I did those cuts I had to build extensions to the table.
I'm already subscribed. Replacing my kitchen cabinets with homebuilt ones. Need a 96" track saw and table because I'm limited to 48' with my current track saw. I've never been able to get completely square cuts with a guide and circular saw. Festool cordless saw and TSO ruler guides will work, and a Bora Centipede with 4 2 x 4' fold up tabletops.
Your videos have given me so much confidence to build my own cabinets for my house. Thank you
As always, I watched every minute and I'm constantly impressed at your process. But...who the heck is asking for formica these days? Also, I prefer the longer videos.
I've been doing home office cabinets and bookshelves with the 0.049" Wilsonart laminate and edgebanding. Thank you for the extension cord tip, I will definitely use that one on the tabletops (20" x 96", 20" x 67" and 20" x 48"). Rather than a file, I use a DuraGrit 120 sanding bar (basically a 1/8" x 10" strip of carbide sanding grit). I've never heard of using the 22° trim bit before, but that is an interesting idea.
You must golf like I do; deep in the weeds. I usually avoid the fairways. Too many other players there. When I see the pros sweat when they end up in a tough lie, I just say piece of cake. I've been there many times before.
I've worked in a Formica countertop shop making tops all day, every day. Our solution for stray chips becoming trapped under the laminate after gluing was to use a length of metal pallet band strapping with a V bird's mouth cut into the side near the end with tin snips to create a hook, mark the bump's location and note the distance from the edge of the laminate, and gently pry the unpressurized laminate from the edge just enough to insert the flat strapping in under the laminate and out to the chip's location, and fish the chip out from under the laminate. It worked almost without fail, otherwise we used the hammer method to drive the chip into the substrate, but that can cause the laminate to star-crack over the chip ever so slightly no matter how carefully done. Once the chip is removed, the laminate can be rolled down to be pressure-bonded to the substrate.
Thanks!
Thank you for this great video, Matt - I am preparing to laminate some plywood for my drill press. This will remind me of the important steps to get a good result.
Great video
Long is good
We can listen to it on different occasions 👍👍
Great video. To the point and emphasized important details that make for a great product. Though laminate isn’t quite so elegant as many materials today it really is an amazingly durable surface and affordable to boot. Thanks!!!
"amazingly durable surface and affordable" true dat, Brad... thanks for watching and commenting on this one! Best, Matt
You never disappoint. This knowledge will certainly help me continue to put food on the table.
I sincerely appreciate all the content you Give. Helping others is an awesome way to bring heaven a little closer to earth.
( edit: its worth noting , some contact cement may suggest coating porous materials like mdf or wood twice. Drying between coats)
Thanks for such a great, lengthy, info packed video!
I have no experience with formica/laminate but this video was a big help to study in preparation for my upcoming project.
You are sure welcome and I hope it helps as much as you and I think it will😁😎
Best, Matt
If you break apart window blinds they work good for keeping you laminate above the glued surfaces .easier than dowels
💥 Thank you so much for this incredibly informative video. I’m having a hard time trusting that water based contact cement is durable and effective at gluing up laminates like the solvent based products are 🤟🏼
Hey James, I understand your skepticism regarding water based contact cement... I too was dubious initially because I had a bad experience with a different brand... Weldwood, I think... but I'm a total convert to 3M Fastbond.
Unlike solvent based products, you can barely smell this stuff in use. It doesn't get all globby from evaporation like solvent based, it's thinner/more runny too, so it's much easier to roll on and doesn't collect chips like thick/gooey solvent based products either.
With decades of experience using it, I can truly say that "If it doesn't work, you're doing it wrong". Not only is it 5X more user friendly, it performs remarkably well over time. I've never once had a product-related failure using it. Pay close attention to the preparation steps seen in the video since, like any contact cement, even a single crumb under a sheet of laminate can spoil the whole project.
Best,
Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks so much for this in depth reply. It’s been over 35 years since I’ve worked with laminate. I built a receptionist desk for a hair salon complete with a drawer and writing ledge. One thing that I do remember was that clumping and semi dry build up and small gooey balls that you referred to as the solvent dried at different rates in areas where it was thinner. I recall having to scrape it out occasionally which was a real pain. I’m believing what you are saying about the 3M being more user friendly in that sense but I recently called Formica and I thought he said to only use a solvent based product. I can’t say 100% but I’m pretty sure he said that.
@@Jimmy_Cavallo It would really surprise me if Formica said that about 3M... I'd check back with them to make sure because Fastbond is SO much better than anything else. Personally I'd disregard any white-coat from Formica over anyone at a cabinet shop who applies Formica products. Let me know if you get an actual statement from Formica about 'solvent only' contact cement? Thx,
Matt
CHAPTERS
2:57 1. Conditions explained
7:20 2. Fill & prep surfaces
16:00 3. Cutting laminate
32:20 4. Prep laminate & apply contact cement
50:10 5. Applying laminate
1:00:45 6. In-depth trimming
1:10:50 7. Add'l laminate application
1:28:49 8. Advanced laminate application
1:35:35 9. Final filing & clean-up
Thank you for posting this click-able chapter list for this video EmElTea... much appreciated! I'll pin it for others' convenience. I don't include it in the video description in lieu of other information provided there... Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry There is any type of blade, recomended to cut laminate ? or go for the more
teeth better ?
The 60 tooth blade I use in the video is just about right: too few teeth and you get chips, too many and you have to push harder and it can tend to 'burn' in the cut. Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry You're welcome. Thanks Matt for doing the hard part by making and sharing the video.
You might notice I 'stole' your idea and used it to post similar time stamps for the recent Pyramid Puzzle build video... thanks again! Best, Matt
Excellent video. If memory serves me, the Formica and and Marlite I used to work with in the 60's and 70's was heavier and stiffer. It was prone to chipping and cracking if miscut or mishandled. I still smell Formica cement in my nightmares. :-)
That was back in the day of what is now called "standard thickness " laminate. It is still available. Now to the best of my knowledge, you can order standard, post form and vertical grade laminate.
@@cncwoodworxroc6881 If I may be so bold, I hope I don't have to use the stuff anymore. Just speaking for myself. 😎
@@jerrystark6766 Some of us do, daily. Be glad that you've escaped 😉
@@cncwoodworxroc6881 Believe me I hear you. Best regards!
As usual Matt, I loved the detail. Thank you for taking the time and care. Sorry Chip left you holding the chip.
Sad thing is is that Chip is the best help I can get😢😄
Very, very helpful!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Great video…
Great information…
.
And great motivation at 1:00:20..!!
.
Regards from Mexicali BC, 🇲🇽
Chip’s a maniac! Wish I could get my twin brother to work that hard for me! 😂
An other excellent video. Chock filled with useful info. Bugger the nay-sayers. This is perfect for us in the business who are looking for a different point of view or a difference of experience. Keep it up.
Thanks for sayin' Adam... nay-sayers are a frequent annoyance but viewer comments like yours help ignore 'em so I appreciate it! Best, Matt
This is the best I've ever seen! Thanks!
Bravo! The was an excellent thorough lesson. Thank You!
Nice video!! My work is 95%laminated work! I do almost the same as you!some difference! I cut the big laminated on a foam board 4'x8' with a circular saw! After that is all the same as you did except that I only use trim bit,chisel plane, and maybe a file! My chisel plane tock the job of the bevel bit! If you haven't try! Really recommend it!!
Cutting big laminate on foam board it genius evascroll!! Thanks for adding it here... I'll have to remember for future use. The idea of using a chisel plane on laminate seems dicey to me but imagine that's because I've not seen how well it works for you. I do like the outside the box concept though... Best, Matt
Great content as always. You and your twin brother Chip work well together.
Belt sander will get away from you if you're not used to using one. I'm making a cabinet in which I will Formica the sides as well as the top, so this is a new experience for me.
Great job.!!!
I like your details.Its the only way to realy learn something.
Greetings from Greece.
Thank you so much for another thoroughly instructional and entertaining video. Absolutely great tutor with a pleasant manner. Thanks again Master.
Good work takes time... and a Good Time takes work... always enjoy your videos. You put a lot of hard work into it and it shows. Thanks for the knowledge.
I done a lot of laminate jobs over the years but it is always nice to learn something new, I learned a few things I have always used the solvent based glue but then it has been a few years since I have done much of it and water based glues have come a long way since then. I am not sure I like the 22.5* bit for a laminate over laminate seam. but is a nice tip when you are needing to add a little reveal on a wood edge, I use a belt sander belt on a block of wood to go over the sharp edges on larger areas and a file where appropriate. I use Toluene instead of Laquerr thinner, its not as nasty to the nose. I like the idea of a laminate scraper not a bad idea for a number of projects.
Hey Thom,
There's definitely a lot of individual preferences when it comes to this sort of work and the one that works best for you is the best one to use.
FWIW the only water based contact cement that I'll use is the neutral 3M fastbond. Seems like I tried a weldwood version once upon a time and it was terrible but the 3M stuff is amazing.
Best, Matt
@@NextLevelCarpentry yes there suwe is
These tutorials are golden ! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻