Roundover and Vinyl Laminate

[parodielin]

Folks,

I am considering using Vinyl Laminate for my next project since I have no experience doing wood veneer. I figured starting with vinyl might be a better choice. I saw Parts Express' tutorial on how to apply vinyl laminate - starting from the side - top - side and then front and back.

What if I roundover four corners, would the same approach create a seamless edge between front and side? A bit difficult to figure that out in my head. :)

Or should I not roundover if I plan to apply vinyl laminate (assuming it's not required by the design)?

Thanks!

[john trials]

I have not used the vinyl laminate, but here is a thread with some nice results: http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=214731

He rounded the baffle with a 3/8" bit, wrapped it with vinyl laminate and it worked fine.

I've been told that the surface needs to be really smooth and clean prior to using the vinyl laminate. Any imperfection will show through. Smoother surfaces will result in better adhesion.

I had never done any veneering until I built some Statements. I was pretty nervous about ruining all my hard work, but I used paper-backed cherry and the glue-iron method. The Statements are pretty large, and it would have been nice to get some practice on some smaller cabinets first, but it was amazingly easy. Practice on some scrap first.

[jclin4]

I used the cherry laminate on a pair of speaker stands that had 4 .25" roundovers with no problems. It's extremely flexible. I wrapped it all the way around kept the seam in the rear so it wasn't visible from the front or sides.

Just my opinion, the vinyl laminate is OK if you don't intend to keep the project around very long. In my experience, after a while it started not to look so good anymore.

I would go with veneer, even as a first finishing project. It really isn't that hard and you'll get lot's of advise and help on this board. But, it may mean a larger and/or no roundover. Bevels are no problem and can look quite nice.

[ocool_15]

I found no problem with using vinyl over a roundover. In fact its easier for the material to form a gradual radius so I think it works better. I've always painted the baffles due to aesthetics and I don't think it would do well on a compound roundover like a corner of the baffle.

[parodielin]

Quick question on applying Vinyl. From the PE tutorial, it seems like I only need regular utility knife or scissors to cut and apply vinyl laminates. Am I correct?

Thanks!


I found no problem with using vinyl over a roundover. In fact its easier for the material to form a gradual radius so I think it works better. I've always painted the baffles due to aesthetics and I don't think it would do well on a compound roundover like a corner of the baffle.

[mzisserson]

For the edges, you want an EXTREMELY sharp razor knife. I have even used in on towers with 1/2 rounds. The trick is getting the seams right and making sure the MDF is extremely dust free.

For the love of gawd.... BE PATIENT!

[marvin]

I have used vinyl laminate on subs and these Dayton Budget's by Wayne J.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y84/mschp/daytonbudgetscomplete001.jpg

Using a black section for the front baffle with 3/4" rounded corners allowed no seams to cut in the vinyl :)

I tried to get away with the solid wood look around the port, but that eventually released itself and it shrank back.

The laminate is economical, really quite easy to work with, and gives you instant results (no need to stain & finish). It is really quite suitable for low budget speakers.

You do need to take great care cutting the edges with a very sharp knife. I like the smaller snap-away blade knives often used for trimming wall paper. It is not difficult, just takes patience and precision to make a perfect cut that doesn't hang over the edge. Even when you do cut a perfect edge, it is still very easy to "catch" an edge somewhere down the road when handling or dusting.

Marv

[parodielin]

Wow, I am set on using vinyl for a set of tower speakers. It's 42 inch tall.

Several people mentioned sharp razor knifes. I only have an old utility knife. Would this from PE "Sharp" enough?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=360-372

Thanks!

[mzisserson]

I use an exacto knife and change the blade after about 8 linear feet of cutting. The blade gets bound with glue and once this stuff tears, fahgedaboudit!

That is what is nice about the breakoff knives (small), You will need 3 or 4 for towers of that size.

[marvin]

Wow, I am set on using vinyl for a set of tower speakers. It's 42 inch tall.

Several people mentioned sharp razor knifes. I only have an old utility knife. Would this from PE "Sharp" enough?

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=360-372

Thanks!

The snap off blades are more convenient and very inexpensive. You can find a plastic pencil size knife for a few dollars and pacs of replacement blades for a couple of bucks at your local big box store.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/219ZTSKDF8L._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Marv