Joe, you are on the right track with the contact cement, simple and relatively fast. Make sure both sides have tacked up well. Depending on the length of the table set 2 or 3 narrow sticks across the table, set the laminate on top, get it centered over the plywood. Press down the center first, get it stuck down. Lift the laminate on one end, remove the stick underneath and curl the laminate down from the center to the outside, holding the end of the laminate with one hand and smoothing down the top face with the other. Repeat on the other end. If you have an old straight rubber trailer keel roller, or something similar, make sure it is clean and grit free and then roll it slowly across the top face, pressing down. Pay good attention to the edges. I would suggest cutting the plywood a bit oversize, then trim the glued up panel good face up on a table saw. If not and you have trimmed the plywood to finish size, make sure the cut ply edges are smooth for a bearing trim bit to follow smoothly. FYI, plastic laminate can be glued with white PVA, or Titebond type glues, but you would either need a friend with a hot press, or, be able to load up the glued panel with enough weight on a very flat surface. Can also clamp it with cross blocks pressing on a couple of extra inches of panels on each side, making a sandwich. Requires a lot of clamps. Leave overnight. On Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 12:35 PM, Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> wrote:
Well, now that I've picked you'all's brains on wood glue.... any suggestions on what best to use to adhere formica to plywood? Or is the contact cement that you normally use OK. Not sure if there are any marine secrets out there. I'm making a combination cabin table/cockpit table/berth extension that I want to top with formica and put a raised wood edge around. Any and all suggestions are welcome. Thanks much, and have a Happy Thanksgiving. Joe SeaFrog M17