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Thread: Formica thickness for TS extension/router table

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Lafayette, CA
    Posts
    832

    Formica thickness for TS extension/router table

    My new router lift has a different size plate than my 2-decade-old plate. Hence, a new extension is called for, with a router-plate recess.

    The extension will be bolted to the saw, of course. It’ll be a pine frame with a 3/4 Baltic birch top (reinforced by extra framing around the router), covered with Formica, attached by contact cement.

    I went to a local cabinet shop for the Formica, and let them talk me into a thin sheet (about 1/32”) used for doors, not counters. Now I’m reluctant to use it. Should I expect any problems using the thin sheet?

  2. #2
    I'd go with the countertop formica. Vertical won't be as rigid nor as durable.

  3. #3
    Agreed. Post Form grade minimum, preferably horizontal grade or HD if you can find a piece

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2019
    Location
    Lafayette, CA
    Posts
    832
    Thanks. I searched for HD Formica and found Wilsonart HD. Not sure if that's what you meant, but it's only 0.039" thick, whereas standard counter Formica seems to be 1/16" or 0.0625". In any case, I'm going to ditch the 1/32" stuff.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Beantown
    Posts
    2,831
    Generally speaking the 2 most common thicknesses are referred to as vertical grade, (thinner), and horizontal, (thicker). For anything subject to wear your definitely better off with horizontal. Keep the thinner stuff for projects around the shop, it's still a great easy to clean material for doors or lightly used shelves, tops etc..

    good luck,
    JeffD

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Northern Michigan
    Posts
    4,973
    According to my salesman at Baer Supply some manufacturers are dumping all but post form. The one I needed was only in post form recently unless I wanted color core. But... looking back at my outfeed on ones saw it always bothers me that I have worn through the color and if I do it ove I will use color core. Works fine, just annoys me.

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