Need Some Domino Advice

[Steven in Iowa]

I am fabricating a new top for my router cabinet and have laminated two pieces of 3/4" MDF together and spent 2 hours getting them dead flat with a cabinet scraper and a ground straight edge.

I want to edge band them with some oak and attach with Dominos, after which I'm going to put Formica on both sides.  My question is this....Will I have any issues with swelling in the MDF?  I've not tried any Dominos in MDF, and in the past, have experienced swelling when using biscuits. (Although not with this much thickness above and below)

These will be in the center of the thickness on a 1 1/2" thick layup or right where the glue joint is from laminating the two 3/4" sheets together.

 

[nickao]

Hi Steve I know nothing about the Domino, but why not put on the laminate first before the hardwood wrap? I find it easier it do it that way to get a nice edge.

Just a thought and neither way is right or wrong, but I always have had good results  doing  the laminate work first, then lining up the  the hardwood edge to it. Won't it be tough to get the right reveal consistent without the laminate on it already as a guide?

If I am missing something let me know. I like to hear about different ways to do things.

Nickao

 

[Steven in Iowa]

I'm planning on going over the top with the laminate, then flush trimming with an edge guide.  I did that with the outfeed on my saw and like the look.  Take a look at a few pictures of it.

Saw Outfeed in Progress

 

[nickao]

Oh you are covering the the top of the oak edge with laminate, I get it. I  always left the top of the oak exposed. I guess its habit from making tables.

I can not get the link to show anything.

nickao

 

[Steven in Iowa]

I can not get the link to show anything.

nickao

Nickao,
  Try the link now, I had the wrong url.
Outfeed table

 

[slb]

Hi Steven,

If I read your post correctly, you are concerned about the dominoes swelling up and causing a bulge in the top or bottom of your work.  This happens sometimes with biscuits because they are intentionally compressed and swell when moistened by the glue.  A domino has little dents embossed into the surface, supposedly to help hold glue as it slides into the mortise, but the domino is not compressed and should not swell significantly.