Shopsmith Forums

Is anyone here doing edge banding on a small scale? What method do you use?

I see machines such as this one at Rockler
http://www.rockler.com/edge-banding-machine

Or is it just as easy and less expensive to use an iron such as
http://www.rockler.com/edgebanding-iron

Any advice would be appreciated regarding equipment, method, and banding material.

Jim

A travel iron like this one is a lot less expensive and does the job very well. I use an old steam iron that my wife generously gave me.

You can buy a 250' roll of maple, oak or birch banding at Amazon or, smaller lengths at Lowes. Lowes may have other species, also.

Sorry, can't help much. The only edge banding I ever used was for an "small animal cage". It was made from pvc covered hardboard. Edge banding was also pvc with glue side. Applied sticky side down, rolled and trimmed. Rollers and trimmers are available for not much $.

When using plywood, I have made edges from wood, and glued in place. I've used 1/8" and 1/4" banding for exposed edges. The only trick here is to cut the plywood the appropriate distance smaller to allow space for the edge wood.

I like to use a dry steam iron as well. I use the cotton setting. Just make sure you keep the iron moving so you don't scorch the wood.
BPR

Another cheap (maybe $10) clothes iron user here. I've probably done 100 or so feet using one on a few projects. I put it on the highest setting, keep it moving, pressing down firmly, then put a length of board on top of the banding and give a few whacks with a small deadblow mallet.

Same here. When my old Wife's steam iron started leaking, she bought a new one and I got the old one for banding work. It works great, and I use it on almost all my projects I build.

Gary
Is that your "old Wife's" steam iron or your "Wife's old steam iron"? ?
Just askin'.
Bill V

I stopped in a resale shop this morning and they had 6 different irons for $5 apiece. Lady said they all worked, too. Didn't buy any because my old wifes, still works.

Gene Howe wrote:I stopped in a resale shop this morning and they had 6 different irons for $5 apiece. Lady said they all worked, too. Didn't buy any because my old wifes, still works.

I do hope you are referring to your wife's old iron and not your old wife's iron.

I picked up an iron at the Salvation Army today. Bonnie took one look, decided it was better than hers, and offered a batch of cookies, and her iron in trade. Works for me