Edge+treatments

HOME Edge treatments are the materials that are used to cover up the unsightly edges of particleboard, MDF and plywoods. Materials that are regulalry used include: for more details on edge treatments see the "assembling cabinets" files on the Setting out and assembly of cabinets page. fleeced veneers are timber veneer edging strengthened with cellulose backing paper (fleece). Fleeced Veneer is used throughout Australia and internationally for standard edging applications, softforming and profile wrapping.
 * Melamine edge tapes - 0,5mm thick by 22 mm wide are available in a range of colours. The tapes can be preglued or unglued for use in hot melt edging machines.
 * PVC edge tapes - 2mm thick is now very popular. It provides a thicker more durable material that can be ordered in woodgrains, colours and also multicoloured layers to produce a range of finishes. These materials can only be applied using appropriate machinery, while other kinds acn be applied using simple iron on technology.
 * Timber veneer edge lippings are available in for both square edge materials and soft form moulded edges with special fleece backings to prevent splitting and cracking: see [|Consolidated Veneers] for more details.
 * What are fleeced veneers**?

You can find out more about fleeced veneers by visiting the [|Consolidated Veneers]link

there are hand held models that can be used to do curved work and odd shapes. All machines are delicate and require adjustment for the width, thickness and type of lipping to be used. Some use pre-glued tapes and others use a heating pot to melt and apply adhesive to non-glued tapes and lippings Watch this video for a demonstration. media type="youtube" key="9Dl-kRJPMTU" height="240" width="294"
 * Edge banders** are the commonly used method of apply edge treatments manufactured board products:

There are also simple benchtop models that are suitbale for small run joinery shops where edging may be applied a few metres at a time. [] Watch this video for a demonstration of the types of machines available: media type="youtube" key="lP-NgjCY-jQ?fs=1" height="245" width="306" In this video you see how a small joinery shop makes a simple tool to trim melamine and timber veneer edge tapes. it sprietty simple and uses the same principles as you find on commercial edge tape trimmers. **Mind your fingers** when you try to make the tools though. media type="youtube" key="sB-POouy5mk" height="240" width="294"

The two types of machines available are: 1. Hot melt glue - where a pot of glue, attached to the machine, supplies adhesive to the edge of the board and then the edge strip material is pressed to the edge of the board and automatically trimmed top and bottom and ends. 2. Pre glued - where a roll of preglued edge tape is loaded onto the machine. Heated air is applied to the glued surface of the edge strip and the edgestrip is then applied to the edge of the board. the excess edge taped is trimemd top and bottom and ends as the panel passes through the machine.

Critical aspects of machines:
 * Glue temperature
 * Feed speed
 * trimming blade adjustments

Always run a few test pieces and "tune" the machine before starting. Keep the machines clean and the cutters sharp.

Special machines may be used for intricate shapes. Be careful the support material doesn't interfere withe applied edge: media type="youtube" key="hg6Bcghlpow?fs=1" height="307" width="384"

Consolidated veneers: []
 * Australian Suppliers:**

Watch this video to see how to set up the router for the best results. Note the use of spiral cutter and the use of appropriate PPE. media type="youtube" key="0rxYQfJ8C7w" height="345" width="420"
 * Trimming solid timber edges** using a router table provides a safer, cleaner finish than using a portable hand held router that can wobble and score the edge. Using a flush trimming bit can be used but often the bit clogs with adhesive, stops free wheeling and can burn the edge lipping and being hand held any wobbles will show up as bumps or divets and have to be fixed.