Carpentry and Woodworking - Questions about Edge Trim and Trim Cutters

I would like to finish my shelf projects (rather, my wife's shelf projects) by applying iron-on edge tape to the cut edges. I'm using plywood for some shelves and MDF for others and have no experience with edging. Here are my questions:

1. The wife bought a roll of the iron-on tape maybe 4 to 5 years ago and it's been sitting in the garage unused. She told me to use it but I'm thinking the glue is probably not too good anymore and won't hold. Does the glue have a long shelf-time?

2. Same with a lot of the edges. The shelves were cut maybe 5 to 10 years ago. Should I sand the edges to provide a "new" gluing surface?

3. Anything to consider when edging plywood?

4. If I had a real woodworking shop and a fortune in wood clamps, I'd probably consider tape that requires gluing instead of ironing. Is the iron-on tape any good or will it come off in a couple of years? If it does, I'll come unglued.

5. Any particular brands or types of tape to consider?

6. About trimmers - I want the edges to look finished, not botched, and am willing to pay a bit for some kind of trimmer with built-in guides, if such exist. Any hints what to look for and where to buy (I have a bunch of woodworking catalogs.)

Any help is really appreciated!

The tape is probably OK if it has never been wet. Try a piece on some scrap and test it.

There should be a local Woodworkers Supply nearby. They have all kinds of tools for trimming edge banding. Also try Sears.

As to how it looks, it depends on the wood/Formica/melamine, etc and the banding. Black/white will look like black/white. But black on black, or white on white, and the edges disappear.

It's a good idea to sand the edges before applying the edge banding. Use 100 grit sand paper and a sanding block. The glue will adhere better to the sanded surface. Just be careful not to round over the edges; square edges make edge banding easier, look better, and last longer.

Search online for "Double Edge Trimmers," there are quite a few out there and most can be had for under $20. Rockler Woodworking sells one that I've had good results with, but most of the different brands and models in that price range are essentially the same design and quality.

Oh, one more thing, when you're ironing the banding, make sure you're not using any steam. :p I did that once, and I eventually had to re-do that edge. Stay on the safe side and get an old iron from a thrift shop or yard sale, they heat better, and you don't have to worry about getting any glue on your laundry later. :D

Jeffrey

It's a good idea to sand the edges before applying the edge banding. Use 100 grit sand paper and a sanding block. The glue will adhere better to the sanded surface.
Jeffrey

Thanks for the tips! I thought about sanding but then with partical board (MDF?) I thought that what gets sanded off would also be pressed into the wood and not make a clean surface for the glue. Probably would then need to vacuum the edge before applying the trim, or am I being too anal about the whole thing (wouldn't be the first time)?

Vacuuming off the sanded edge of MDF is an excellent idea as it produces considerable dust when sanded or cut.

Yeah, MDF + Vac = very good idea! I love MDF for it's stability and painting ease, but I hate actually working with it. So dusty... and it's heavy too!

A clean edge, no matter what material you're using, is always a good thing when using glue/adhesives. If you want to be even more anal, use a rag with a bit of mineral spirits on the edges you sand. Just a quick wipe will do, you don't want anything to soak in. This will wipe off residues from the shelves' past life, as well as dust from sanding/cutting... making it more likely the edge banding will bond solidly for the entire life of the shelves.

The only time you have to be concerned with how anal you're being about this stuff is when you have a deadline, or you're not working alone. If your wife has a problem with it, just gag her or something... just don't use tape... duct tape + woman's hair = banshee... your shelves will be the least of your DIY worries. :p

If you've got the time and don't have an assistant to annoy, be anal... years from now you'll be glad you did.

Good luck on the project!

Jeffrey

One thing I just thought of that sort of concerns me is what mineral spirits will do to MDF. I'm pretty sure it would take a solvent much "hotter" than mineral spirits to break down the wax and resins that hold the fibers together. I wouldn't hesitate to simply wipe a cloth dampened with MS across the surface, it evaporates too quickly to do any damage... at least I think so. :confused:

Anybody know if MS could break down the bonds of MDF? I'd rather not go buy a sheet of MDF, cut a strip off of it and stick it in some MS just to see what it does; but I'll do it if I have to.

I've got some research to do now. I won't sleep well until I figure this one out. :blah:

>>duct tape + woman's hair = banshee... <<

Yes. YES! When I was growing up (more years than I'll admit to) the worst thing a little boy could do was to put gum in a little girl's hair...