I’ve always loathed trimming edge banding. The existing methods were generally good, but had annoyances.
The Rigid Scraper Attachment
I was looking around the garage for some other means of getting the job done, and I saw the rigid scraper attachment.
I gave it a whirl. It was fantastic.
The direction of blade oscillation eliminates many of the annoyances from other methods. And, the blade geometry leads to safe cuts without risk of gouging the wood.
Just let the back of the blade sit flat on the sheet stock and you’ll completely avoid gouging.
Pre-Response to Other Methods
There are several already-great solutions out there:
- Router & flush trim bit: I get annoyed by all the sharpish chips that shoot off when trimming melamine edge banding.
- Sharp chisel: Great solution if you keep your chisels sharp. Very great method.
- Block plane: Great if you keep your block plane tuned and sharp.
- Cheap trimming tools: These simply don’t work very well, especially as they age and get dull.
- Utility knife: My quick go-to before the oscillating tool. Wood grain can catch and pull it too deep.
The Oscillating Tool Method
This technique is my preference that I have found to be:
- More convenient
- Low-risk — back of blade keeps it level and prevents gouging
- Low-mess — no chips
- Fast — no prep work, no sharpening
Tools
Trim & Sand
Trimming doesn’t throw chips or shavings everywhere, and that’s pretty sweet. It comes off in one clean line.
Guiding Principles / Techniques:
- Keep the bottom of the blade flat on the work piece. Always.
- Don’t push the edge banding outwards — make friends with the glue that’s holding it on.
Finish with some quick sanding: Use a sanding block to create a small micro-bevel and even things out.
Clean the Gum Off Your Blade
The glue will cause your blade to get gummed up. It’s quick and easy to clean.
Since the bottom of the scraper is used as a reference surface, it’s important to keep the bottom of the scraper flat — which means no glue. Else you’ll be tempted to angle it downwards and risk gouging your project.
Done!
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