Cabinet sanding versus face laminating

[Holzhacker]

Hi Guys, here's the scenario...
Client wanted to replace cabinets in a bunch of apartments. But now has decided to install new doors and drawer fronts instead. Mostly because of countertop issues. Client is thinking of either sanding and refinishing the face frames or installing laminate i.e. re-facing. I've spent years avoiding doing either since I think its a pain in the _ss. I'm figuring my RO90 should make pretty quick work of the face frames. Standard light weight Maple with probably 1 coat of Poly on them. They have an extra cabinet in storage I'm going to grab and refinish to clock the time it takes.
I've done tons of laminate work in the past. However, not cabinet refacing. Cutting down all those strips seems like a real time sink.
Has anyone refaced cabinets and have an idea of the time it takes?
Also does anyone know the typical finish grit for factory cabinets, what's a better/thinner finish over the stain than Poly? I'm figuring hitting the finish coat with the RO90 with buffer pad.
Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Markus

 

[peter halle]

Markus,

If you are thinking about refacing the cabinets with veneer, I have a great book I can send you.  Pre creating strips isn't an issue if you have a TS55.  Cuts veneer well.  The after application a razor knife or plane blade becomes the major tool.

Let me know if you want me to drop this into the mail to you.

Peter

 

[mastercabman]

I never done it but seen it.With laminate,you will have gaps between joints(wood will move/expand),unless you laminate the face frame with 1 piece of laminate.I think it looks like crap.
If you are going to sand them down and recoat,you can go with laqcuer.Easy to put on AND easy to fix.
As far as sanding,i think you will be fine with 150-180 grits.

 

[Holzhacker]

Thanks for the offer Peter, I'll let you know as the job gets more finalized. I've got 4-5 of these types of jobs I'm bidding on for next year. If 2 of these come through it will take care of all of 2013 in terms of work time. Thanks for the grits cabman. That's one of things I wasn't sure about.

 

[obdoor]

If you have a HVLP I'd recommend sanding and using a precatalized  pigmented lacquer from ML Campbell.After all your work  the project deserves a professional finish. It's easier than it sounds.It requires attention to detail with the prep, but that's always the case.  Good Luck

 

[Laminator]

As far as time and cost, I would think sanding and refinishing the face frames and finished ends would be quicker and cost less than doing laminate.    Laminating the face frames (just the face) does not take all that long but is tedious work.  If they want the edges and faces laminated, then they need to have deep pockets as it will take a lot more time.

 

[Sparktrician]

Seems to me that it might be more cost-effective to just build new and replace the existing doors altogether as opposed to trying to get a veneering job to look right.