Using melamine as a cutting surface for TS

ear3

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I need a jobsite assembly table where I'll be joining and gluing up large 8x4 and 10x4 set frames, and so I figure my ideal work surface is two sheets of Melamine -- that way I can just wipe or scrape the glue off quickly and cleanly.  Later on I would convert this into a sheet goods cutting table for my TS, but I was wondering whether cutting into the Melamine backing would be bad for my TS blade (standard OEM one) -- I've never really worked with Melamine before so I'm not familiar with its properties/tendencies?  If so I guess I would just get plywood sheets for the assembly table and live with the sticky glue residue.
 
Yes, it is bad for a cutting table, melamine wears your blade down very quickly, and as it's the sacrificial surface, for nothing. Bad idea.
 
[size=13pt]Yes as Alex says, your blades will wear quickly if cutting through to a sacrificial melamine bench top.

However as illustrated by many on the FOG, a foam sheet between the melamine or the prefered ply or MDF bench top and the sheet goods being cut should assist. I have been using interlocking matts; the ones with holes in them as a cutting base. They also provide a soft and supportive base for sanding. Currently very inexpensive through a major Australian Hardware Chain.

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Re glue residue, oil and wax the ply bench and/or run wax paper or brown paper over it prior to any glue ups.

Looking fwd to pictures of this film set.
 

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Well ... if you cut in the same place you'll have a groove to the softer core. Just offset it left and right and you won't be destroying the blade.

... but it's still a bad idea! [wink] [big grin]

Melamine has its uses ... landfill is the most common.
 
Thanks.  I'll just use the straight ply then for the work table.
 
Edward,  Sometimes we will roll any leftover semi-gloss paint on the plywood work surface we are using for glue-ups.  That helps to repel the glue, as you were thinking the melamine would do.
 
Good idea.  I'll try to remember just to slap on a couple of coats of quick drying gloss poly at the start of the job.

Rob Z said:
Edward,  Sometimes we will roll any leftover semi-gloss paint on the plywood work surface we are using for glue-ups.  That helps to repel the glue, as you were thinking the melamine would do.
 
[member=37411]Edward A Reno III[/member]
Here's what I use for an assembly/cutting table. I needed something that was extremely portable and lightweight but also sturdy.

The main bundle:
2 standard 36" tall Stablemate saw horses. Each capable of supporting 500# with a cedar 2x6 mounted on the top. The 36" height makes it easier on the back. 3 pieces of 80/20, 6 feet long by 1.5" tall.

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Rear view showing aluminum tabs.

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A closer look at the aluminum tabs. Fab'd from 1/2" thick aluminum that I had on hand from another project

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The 80/20 installed makes for a good solid framework.

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The 80/20 lays nice & flush with the 2x6.

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Top view and bottom view of the 80/20 with the alignment capscrew installed.

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1 1/2" foam cut to a 32" width with some Dominos added. Nice and compact. I cut on one side and sometimes paint on the other side.

Recently I had to cut some strips of red rosin paper and instead of lugging the roll to the bench, i brought one of the 32" sections into the house and cut on it instead.

Setup time for the bench is 5 minutes. The Stablemate horses are nicely galvanized and with the aluminum brackets and 80/20 extrusions, the cedar top, the stainless fasteners and the foam surface, it's pretty impervious to wet weather.

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I like melamine and laminates, they have a nice, clean and modern look. I inherited that taste from my mother, as she worded it "I don't want my house to look like I live in a wood shed."
 
Alex said:
I like melamine and laminates, they have a nice, clean and modern look. I inherited that taste from my mother, as she worded it "I don't want my house to look like I live in a wood shed."

I agree, there's some amazing laminate materials available today. I'm personally just anti the typically rubbish grade melamine particle board you find in cheap construction and the volume hardware / "box" stores.

 
Some people cut melamine all day long.

I cannot image an issue with a cutting bench that will likely have just a few cuts before all the subsequent cuts go through the previous kerf lines.
 
Edward A Reno III,

I will not recommend melamine. We can debate about its pros and cons for use in the construction of furniture, but for your purpose is inappropriate. I have two reasons:
1. The edges of the material will always be hostile to your hands, tools and workpieces.
2. its resistance, or reduce adhesion to the adhesives are not as good as expected.

I thought I would in this case about a soft plastic. I myself have the intention to construct a desk designed for bonding. If I have a real experience I will share with you about it.

[wink]

 
I use Roofmate on any surface (a large table or even the floor) for cutting sheet goods & put brown paper on it for glue ups.
For smaller stuff I use my MFT/3 — I oiled the top, which repels glue (eg it comes of easily).

The roofmate sheets are tongue and groove and can be combined to any size, while being easily storable. When they wear out, I buy fresh ones at the home store.
 
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