miter vs butt joint?

[Jay Yoder]

I am "wrapping" the tops on my miter station outfeed benches with 1x1.75 red oak "banding" and wondered if I should miter the corners or just use a straight butt joint? The tops are 2 layers of 3/4 MDF with 1 layer of 1/4" hardboard on top. I will be using Formica brand laminate on top and then will slightly ease the edges once the laminate is in place. I was thinking that the mitered joints would not be seen that much, what do you'all think?

[Stephen Edwards]

I think that this decision is up to you! There's nothing wrong with doing a butt joint in this case. Which do you prefer? Answer that question and go for it!

[David DeCristoforo]

Actually, a miter is a butt joint. Just at a 45 degree angle. So the only question is will you be bothered by seeing the end grain? If so miter it. If not, don't. It will make absolutely no functional difference.

[frank shic]

miters are a lot trickier. i just butt jointed the solid wood edgebanding before applied the laminate.

[glenn bradley]

I have one work surface mitered and one butted (accepting David's point about them both actually being butt joints :)). I don't really pay any attention to them anymore to tell you the truth. I just work on them. Essentially the choice is yours.

[Stephen Edwards]

Should you decide to make the joint a "square" butt joint, my preference would be to have the exposed end grain on the ends of your outfeed tables. As you're standing in front of the miter station, you'll have a cleaner looking front edge, IMO.

[Jay Yoder]

Thanks to all who responded. I guess what i should do is miter a couple of pieces on one end ans see which one I like best. I was planning on putting the endgrains on the end not the front. It seems to be more about visual preference with no functional differences....

[Frank Drew]

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Now to the question: This is a shop fixture, right? Not something you're making for a client, or for your home?

Just checking... :rolleyes: