Mr. Mark Singer, Have I got some ??s

[Scott Coffelt]

First I see that you have been using an edge bander for your work cabinets. How do you like? How do the edges hold up? I have been doing some thinking and wondering if I should follow my traditional method of edging the plywood for my kitchen cabinets (1/4" hardwood strips) or go int he edge banding route. The edges will be covered by the doors and drawers. I've seen many a cabinet in show rooms done with the edge banding technique. How do you trim the edges? I've used the handtrimming tools before with OK success.

Second, where did you locate your Haffle pulls?

[Scott Coffelt]

OK, now that I wen back to the original post I see you answered question #2.

[Mark Singer]

Scott,
For $200 it is a great! great machine! The quality of the tape varies...I have had good luck. The temperature and speed is critical...don't go to fast. I chop the ends of with a chisel and use the Freud slitter for the edges. Then 150 grit hand sanding on a block...the 220 face sanding...lightly. Really perfect edges!

[Scott Coffelt]

Do you use the Freud edging or have you found better?

[Chris Padilla]

I don't know, Scott. I can see how it would save you a lot of time (maybe $$$s, too) but it just doesn't say "quality" or "longevity" in my eyes.

[Mark Singer]

Chris,

I have in my closet for about 3 years ...no problem! If the drawers don't rub you are good. You need touse it withe drawer slides or they will rub...it is clean and simple. My next jump is to hand dovetailed from solid wood.

I don't know, Scott. I can see how it would save you a lot of time (maybe $$$s, too) but it just doesn't say "quality" or "longevity" in my eyes.

[Mark Singer]

Correction!

You can use solid fronts on a Kreg drawer and thaat works well. The grain will not be continuous as with plywd.

[Mark Singer]

Scott,

I buy mine locally from Austin Hardwoods in the large rolls. It is not strong enough for counter top edging. They have a variety of woods.

Do you use the Freud edging or have you found better?

[Scott Coffelt]

This would be just used to face the front edge of the cabinet carcass. The drawers and door frames will be solid Birdseye Maple. The carcuss will be Maple Ply and Birch Ply (On internal cabinets). I will be using euro hinges and full extension glides. My drawers will be made from Baltic Birch. I don't see that they will get much wear and tear since the doors and drawer fronts will completely cover the front edge of the cabinets. I am not worried about time savings just what would look best from the edge of the cabinet, since the 1/4" hardwood edging would be more noticeable then the edge banding.

Thanks for the input.

[Chris Padilla]

Scott,

Look into the The Burgess Edge system. I'm seeing copycats of this edging system show up now, too. I know Kelly Hanna dissed it pretty good but it has worked very well for me and I don't hesitate to recommend it.

[Mark Singer]

Scott,

Here are a couple of photos. I don't think you will have problems with the edge. You need to check and make sure it is bonding good before you run a bunch of it. The lookis hard to beat. The drawers can be made from Prefinished Apple Ply, this give an increadable finish and save a lot of time. My drawer bottoms are melamine.