Formica sheets?

[danmart77]

In the past I have glued up plywood sheets about 4' square and covered one face with formica. I use this platform for glue up work. Drips just pop off even when it is dry. I gave it away to someone thinking I could just make another.

Fast Forward: No more formica sheets at HD or Lowes. The folks at the stores told me there just isn't much demand for that material anymore.

Any suggestions in the Ral/Dur area?

Maybe something different?

Dan

My roll around work surface is getting heavy use these days​

 

[bowman]

Dan,
what about taking a piece of 1/4" hardboard and waxing the smooth side so stuff doesn't stick?

 

[KenOfCary]

I found 1 HD that carried the 4x8' sheets in very limited colors. I think it was the one in Apex but might have been the one at crossroads. This was several years ago so a phone call would be in order to verify they still carry them. But you're right - even then they were hard to find anymore. Maybe a cabinet shop would have some.

As to alternatives - those Phenolic Faced Plywood sheets would work but are awfully pricey. Maybe you can find a better source than this:

https://www.woodcraft.com/products/...21f469702d06760016d0,5764230869702d3baa002556

 

[MarkE]

On Craigslist in Roxboro:
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/mat/d/formica-reduced-must-go/6488496800.html

 

[MarkE]

In Apex:
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/d/wilsonart-laminate/6506487282.html

 

[MarkE]

A few years back I found an ad on CL from Russwood Library Furniture in Raleigh, near Wake Tech on 401. They were clearing out a bunch of old patterns that they no longer used. There were big piles of the stuff that they were selling cheap.

Might be worth a call or email to see if they have anything they are trying to get rid of.
(800) 792-0253
info@russwood.net

 

[tdukes]

Dan,
what about taking a piece of 1/4" hardboard and waxing the smooth side so stuff doesn't stick?

I've done similar except I used shellac. Comes right off.

 

[Jeff]

How about a thermally fused laminate instead of Formica? Aka melamine?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Thermally-...-in-L-x-15-75-in-W-White-Shelf-Board/50386832

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Melamin...ctual-750-in-x-49-in-x-97-in-461877/100070209

 

[Opensightryan]

You can order the Formica sheets at HD and have them sent to the store free.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/FORMICA...n-Brite-White-Matte-004591258708000/202911159

 

[walnutjerry]

Dan, I have gobs of old laminate---------just come get all you want, it is free.

Jerry

 

[Dee2]

last time I bought some it was from the Habitat for Humanity thrift store.

 

[Dreuxgrad]

Guess Road Cabinet

 

[Graywolf]

Try web-don

 

[junquecol]

Try web-don

Web-Don in Raleigh has their good and bad days. Some days I can walk in and get what I need and others they tell me to go thru a third party, which used to be HD. Now HD orders from a company in NJ. Wurth stocks laminate. I have a couple rolls that have been rolled up for several YEARS, so they would have to be unrolled, and ironed flat which will take some time. I also have at least one sink cut out (butcher block pattern.) Price is free, FOB Apex.

 

[ScottM]

I was at a workshop at Charlie's yesterday. He used a piece of safety glass to do his glue ups. It appears to be from an old glass tip table.

 

[KenOfCary]

I've also just taken a piece of MDF and wrapped it in freezer wrap and taped it on the back side with blue tape. Makes a great surface for glue-ups. Can be easily refreshed if it gets torn. Freezer wrap works better than waxed paper for the purpose.

 

[Alan in Little Washington]

Go to a counter shop and ask if you can dumpster dive. They often have large sheets that are not quite large enough for a counter that they will let go for free. Sometimes I've had to remove old adhesive, but that was easy with some acetone and a rag.

 

[danmart77]

Some great ideas and advice. I am on it. Will post final decision.

Dan

 

[PhilCK]

Purchased a Wilsonart beige white 4x8 sheet from HD online a year or two ago for just the same thing. Even with shipping (might have been free as over the threshold), was a good price. But not at local brick and mortar HD stores.

 

[Skymaster]

sheet of good ole mcp any borg. Melamine coated particle board, 24 x 8 or 48 x 8 Inexpensive,durable, coated both sides. :gar-Bi:gar-Bi