Peter Brown Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 I'm planning to build this design by Marc Adams/Fine Woodworking out of MDF as his plan calls for, but I'm concerned about two things: 1.) An MDF surface will mar easily. Should I go with it anyway or surface with formica? And what adhesive will work best and allow it's replacement periodically without damaging the MDF? 2.) Allowing for a miter slot. Any advice on locating for this design? Also, anyone build this? Thanks http://www.finewoodworking.com/woodworking-plans/article/working-class-router-table.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 I made mine with two 3/4" MDF boards laminated together, using regular glue, then a melamine top. It's holding pretty well but Formica is a better option for the top I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodbutcher74 Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 I would recommend the formica route and attach it to the mdf with contact cement. You won't be able to remove or replace the formica but it should last long enough, that by the time you need to worry about it you can replace the whole top. Mdf is cheap enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Brown Posted July 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Thanks. I was leaning toward formica and contact cement. Someone suggested calling for shipping damaged goods at some of the big box stores. Cut the whole thing last night, should have it assembled today. Think my cost will be less than $100 including switch, wheels, and other hardware. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 I've also seen the formica glued down with spray adhesive. That's what I plan to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tom Cancelleri Posted July 2, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 I've also seen the formica glued down with spray adhesive. That's what I plan to use. Stick to a water based or solvent based contact cement. Just because someone used a spray adhesive, doesn't make it the right way to go about it. Spray adhesive will lift over time and eventually fail. Do it once, do it right. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 +1 for contact cement, solvent based. I never used water based contact cement, it may also work, but MDF does not like water at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted July 5, 2015 Report Share Posted July 5, 2015 Stick to a water based or solvent based contact cement. Just because someone used a spray adhesive, doesn't make it the right way to go about it. Spray adhesive will lift over time and eventually fail. Do it once, do it right. Thanks for the advice. Now that I think on it, I watched two videos on doing this, one from a guy that is awesome and used contact cement. The other looked like he may be the type of guy I'd rather not be in the same room with - used spray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 If you slip a putty knife in between the laminate and MDF then flood the joint with the appropriate solvent you can squirt and lift the whole sheet off . I use a new glue bottle to squirt with (it holds up long enough to do the job but don't leave it in there) Lacquer thinner works on solvent based glues. Mineral spirits works on the waterbased contact cement. I use H2O by Wilsonart on my work professionally. You have to scrape the surface w solvent to get all the glue off. Let it dry overnight and you are ready to replace the laminate. It's messy, smelly and needs to be done outside w gloves but it can be done. It beats building a new core for the top, sorta... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlinwi202 Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 I made that table and used a single of mdf that is well supported. I will eventually replace the whole top with a pre made top like a kreg. When I added up the cost of t slots and miter slots and a pre made insert it seems to make sense. What I have is working great right now and I can upgrade it soon. BTW my current insert is homemade from lexan. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Brown Posted July 11, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 Well here it is. Added lower dust collection box. Still have to install dust hardware, bench castors and switch. Formica works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteJr Posted July 11, 2015 Report Share Posted July 11, 2015 The switches from Rockler work great and they add a measure of safety too. http://www.rockler.com/safety-power-tool-switch 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brendon_t Posted July 12, 2015 Report Share Posted July 12, 2015 How does the dust empty from the box? It looks good. Very sturdy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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