Contura KA65 edge bander visable hairline joint

[kevin.chamberlain]

I'm loving my edge bander but experimenting with some high gloss mdf construction doors I'm getting a hair line between the edging and door surface.

I've tried less glue and hotter with as much pressure as I can and while better it doesn't match the factory finish on the existing edges. The colour of the doors is a light grey and using the natural colour adhesive.

Attached are some pics. The pics actually make it look worse then it is but it's still a dark hair line. The door was originally cut with a rail saw but not sure if a router will make a difference. [attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3]

Any help is welcome.

Kevin

 

[bobfog]

I'm not at all familiar with this tool, so what I suggest might not be applicable, but to me the first thing that spring to mind was too quick a feed rate and the glue not having time to fully spread.

 

[Shane Holland]

I'm not at all familiar with this tool, so what I suggest might not be applicable, but to me the first thing that spring to mind was too quick a feed rate and the glue not having time to fully spread.

The Conturo monitors and helps control feed rate.

I'm wondering if the banding is the issue. Especially if other banding is giving you good results. Anything unique about this banding?

 

[kevin.chamberlain]

I've tried the lowest glue setting, less glue tighter fit, and a higher temperature, high temp easier to spread. While better it still doesn't match the factory finish. The pvc edging is supplied by the manufacturer so identical to the factory finish. All German manufactured.

I understand high gloss is going to be the biggest test for the finish and a factory finish is all done with machines, but I'd like to know what I can do to improve my finish.

 

[kevin.chamberlain]

I was also using the slower feed rate to apply more pressure on the banding but the glue dries very quickly which is why I tried a higher temperature to give it a little more work time.

I wonder if the the door was a chipboard construction it would make a difference. The glue would be able to go into the crevices of the chipboard whereas with mdf it's a perfectly smooth surface and can spread a certain amount before setting?

 

[tjbnwi]

Run this bit down the edge of the door after you cut it. The core is swelling and screwing the fit up. I've have this problem on plywood cores with thicker banding (even before I purchase the Conturo), thiner stuff bends and contours, thicker does not.

Practice with the bit.
http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=collins_ply_prep.htm

Tom

 

[Shane Holland]

Tom...  [not worthy]

 

[kevin.chamberlain]

Thanks Tom I'll try and source one of those in the uk. I did wonder if the surface material was shrinking ever so slightly from heat from the tools instead of the core swelling.

 

[tjbnwi]

Thanks Tom I'll try and source one of those in the uk. I did wonder if the surface material was shrinking ever so slightly from heat from the tools instead of the core swelling.

If you can't find one let me know.

Tom

 

[unityroad]

Run this bit down the edge of the door after you cut it. The core is swelling and screwing the fit up. I've have this problem on plywood cores with thicker banding (even before I purchase the Conturo), thiner stuff bends and contours, thicker does not.

Practice with the bit.
http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=collins_ply_prep.htm

Tom

There you go. It's worse if you can panels the week before they seem to bugle in the middle. One of life's great mysteries, just like tin whiskers.