With the two
ends done, I do the same on the sides. Because of the rule joint, I am adding side pieces
separately. I will try to shape the laminate to the curve of the rule joint.
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I am using a small veneer roller instead of the J-roller to press the
side laminate to the edge. You can see the square edge that I will need to shape to the
profile of the joint.
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After using the
trimmer to cut most of this piece flush with the surface, I turn to a 1/2-round hand file
to contour the laminate. It is important to file only in one direction — towards the
table. If you pull back, there is a good chance that the laminate will chip or break off.
The laminate can be shaped pretty easily this way. You can see that I have scuffed up the
black paint — that will be easily touched up.
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With all the sides done, I now apply adhesive to the table top portion. I am
doing the leaf separately — after the top. It takes longer this way, but I want to
create a seam that is as "seamless" as I can make it.
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With the adhesive
applied to both, I have laid sticks across the cemented top. This will keep the laminate
from coming in contact with the top before I have positioned it exactly. I have cut each
piece of laminate about 1" larger in all dimensions to make positioning easier.
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I
have removed all the sticks and am now using the J-roller to add pressure on the top. I am
working from the center to the edges.
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Before using the
trimmer, I make sure that any adhesive is removed from the bearing, and I add a
small bit of oil to the bearing.
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After running the
trimmer around and cutting off the excess, I use a piece of paper towel wetted with cement
thinner to remove any small traces of cement that may have been left after the trimming.
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The leaf is the last
surface to laminate. I have clamped the leaf in the down position and vertical so that I
can use the trimmer without having the leaf move.
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With the table all
laminated, Sal and I flip in over and re-install the leaf hinge hardware. The upper piece
holds the leaf up in the table position. By pulling the black loop, the leaf can fold
down.
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Well, it is done
and is in its new home. Sal and I managed to get it moved over to Debbie's house but had
to remove the top to get it inside. Thankfully, the top was attached with a series of
screws and was made to be disassembled.
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This is the final look of
the table, the benches and the cabinets. It was a fun project to do.
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