glueing or fixing edging to end of worktop??????

[ged600]

Hi all,
I've done the kitchen,just the nigly bits now.
I've glued the edging on waited for glue to set then tried to cut the overhang off with new stanley blade. Goes ok at first but then the edging just seems to shatter, it's very brittle but hard at the same time.
I then tried glue & a hot iron, again went on ok but come to cut the overhang off it just shatters!
only got enough left for 1 more attempt, any advise from you chippys please!

all the best ,
Ged.

[big-all]

you need to cut slicing in towards the top so the worktop is supporting edging you are trimming
you need a razor sharp cutting edge to prevent splitting/cracking

trimming can also be done with a router and laminate cutter in most sets of 12 or over

[Teabag]

Always where possible stick the edging before final installation.

tips on how to do...
make sure any cut, to be edged is flat.
Use contact adhesive, on the board edge and edging, when it feels rubbery but almost dry (not in any way sticky) then its ready to use.
stick the laminate close to the top edge, its less to file for the finished result.
With out the proper tools, ie "laminate trimmer" to remove the excess from above and below its awkward for DIY'ers, some people use a block plane, set to a fine cut, held at an angle so not to scratch the top surface.
or
A hacksaw blade for trimming bottom edge excess, providing its been stuck close to the top edge.
The easiest way for someone to trim to finished length, for the first time is to use a pair of large strong scissors, these can trim enough to use a file to finish properly.
Another method to trim to length,
is to use a "used hacksaw blade" with a few layers of tape wrapped around the end, so you can rest it against the side (postformed edge) and cut in short strokes gently,so the cutting edge cant scratch the postform, then use a fine file to finish the laminate edge properly.

With the correct technique you only need a "half round file" to do all of the jobs on the end of a board thats straight, BUT you need lots of practice...
thats something a DIY situation doesnt have.
to clean up any mess from the contact adhesive on the laminate, use a acetone on a clean rag. (nail varnish remover). but DONT use much as it will release the contact adhesive if it soak's between the surfaces you have just joined.

Note on types of adhesive,
"iron on" type edging will fall off next to cookers.
You can use pva to stick laminate edging, but it needs along time to dry, also needs clamping and it makes the laminate even more brittle to cut, as there is no flex from the glue.
Contact adhesive is the best type. but must be used in well ventilated area.

hope the above helps in some way.