Stuff you should know before trying to edge band plywood

Some pro tips about applying iron-on edge banding that will save you a lot of frustration.
Links to stuff mentioned in this video►
Video about 1/4-inch hardwood edge banding: • How to make hardwood e...
Video about beveled edge banding: • Make plywood look like...
Laminate file: amzn.to/389jQls
Flush-trimming pliers: amzn.to/3mrjLP3
Square end trimmer: amzn.to/2Kb1YP5
Edge trimmer: amzn.to/3mrjjjP
Laminate roller: amzn.to/38mJXpp
Edge banding iron: amzn.to/37nUcKF
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[@StumpyNubs]

Links to stuff mentioned in this video► Hedgehog Featherboards: amzn.to/3b4KcVl Video about 1/4-inch hardwood edge banding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iprZY6OeidCNZtU Video about beveled edge banding: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foDUqHZ4g8yAr9U Laminate file: amzn.to/389jQls Flush-trimming pliers: amzn.to/3mrjLP3 Square end trimmer: amzn.to/2Kb1YP5 Edge trimmer: amzn.to/3mrjjjP Laminate roller: amzn.to/38mJXpp Edge banding iron: amzn.to/37nUcKF (We may get a small commission if you use one of the above affiliate links.)

[@chio987]

Do you have a link to the edge banding you use? not sure if i missed it somewhere or not. Thanks!

[@coreygrua3271]

Some of my favorite woodworking channels seem to tire of the constant pressure to produce new content week after week. Not this one. James Hamilton appears to handle that production stress as easily as he works wood. It means a lot to me.

[@disasterdogs]

Would you believe this is the first time I have heard about edge banding? You expained how to apply it great and I appreciate it.

[@nakamakai5553]

I love these brief, topic-focused tips tutorials. It's always a treat to learn from your experience so I don't need to re-invent every mistake myself.

[@belekjenkins2308]

Short and sweet and the exact info I was looking for, subbed.

[@PAPIOPA1]

Watching this video made me remember that I have a little travel iron (about the size of the black one you're using). It should work perfectly to do this! Thanks!

[@pjmccall]

Your tips are the best of the best 👌 Thank you sir.

[@joewrosenthal00]

I “tack down” the trailing end of the band by heating it with the iron stationary, and let it cool. Then I do the remainder. That way it doesn’t creep. Also, a small travel iron is perfect for heating the banding AND it costs much less than the one you showed. Nonetheless, another excellent video. Merry Christmas!

[@valleyscharping]

Unbelievably helpful video

[@matthewrose8976]

love Love LOVE the flush cut pliers! Found those last year! A necessity!

[@nicholasbashar6471]

During my time of working at a custom cabinet shop we primarily ran things through a bander. However anytime we had to do so manually we would always use spray on adhesive for both vinyl/hardwood edge banding and veneer's. It worked out great! Just mask the area, spray the edge (a little goes a long way and helps avoid bumps!!) then wait til it slightly drys and becomes tacky (test using the back of your fingers to help prevent as much oil transfer from your fingers). Then spray the back of the banding too, do the same and apply! To smooth it out we would either use a roller, a square block, or if working on a wieldy enough piece of hardwood we would actually take the edge, and smack it down onto the table a couple of times. That way it gets hard pressure across the whole surface simultaneously. To clean proud edges we would just use a pvc cutter and chisel. The beauty of this method too is if you get any on a surface you don't want it on, a rag and paint thinner will dissolve and eat right through the glue like its nothing. Plus you can setup a piece of plywood, MDF without melamine, or just the plain old wall itself. Then cake on a couple layers of a spray on adhesive onto it. Then once it dry's and it will become this dry tacky work surface that is a quick and easy to use for the purpose of attaching and holding the front of your edge banding really well while you spray the back of it without having to worry about over spray and getting it on the front. It will then peel right off from the wall with ease, for easy application to your work pieces edge with hardly any or none it getting on the face of the banding.

[@patrickmccrary6233]

As a cabinetmaker; I have applied pre-glued edge banding for years. I would suggest using a metal roller instead of a laminate j-roller. The harder surface pushes the glue into the wood better and the glue cools faster.

[@BobbyCulpepper-z9p]

Thank you, that was very helpful ! 5:55

[@henkbarnard1553]

1:11 13/16" not 3/16"

[@richardlouden3178]

I do not care for the way too big for the job aspect of a full sized iron. Nor do I like the offset handles of traditional edge banding iron. Years ago I purchased a "travel iron" in the luggage section of a department store and have never looked back. Compared to a full size iron the travel version is much easier to control. Think of the difference in control between a 1/2 sheet and a 1/4 sheet finish sander. Using this midget appliance I've ironed on thousands of feet of edgebanding.

[@stanleymeskys5435]

I second this. I use my old travel iron from my college days. Got it as it was small and easy to store and found later on that it works great for edge banding

[@harlanbruce1293]

I have used Fastcap PVC edgebanding with great results. Their edgebanding tool kit is great and includes the cutter shown in the video.

[@J.A.Smith2397]

Once again NO PLANS AT ALL for this but I love me some stumpy n the way he puts the cookie on the lower shelf for folks. The way you look at things just makes it make sense

[@dennispoulos6010]

I use parchment paper to keep any glue off the iron.

[@Kayte...]

Thanks for posting this suggestion.

[@epoxy]

Can you use parchment paper in-between the iron and the banding to avoid getting glue on your iron?

[@MoGhotbi]

James, great tutorial but I think it was Matt Jackson, from Next Level Carpentry, that recommended the file instead of the sanding block. I could be wrong. Thanks for the tips.

[@tazmane3]

Great video! You could also use the iron they use in R/C planes to attach film to the airframe. Fact is, the one you are using looks EXACTLY like them. Question...when will you release the video on the air compressor cart??

[@dsigetich]

Not sure how this happens, but frequently one of your videos comes up when I’m working on a project that helps me out. I’m doing some (first time) edge banding soon on some shelves I just made, and what do I see? Your video on the heat-glued edge banding. Thank you, sir!

[@caseyfriesema3070]

As everyone else seems to say, your videos are super helpful. Also it makes me feel better about myself when professionals (such as yourself) discuss how they're still learning new tricks to the craft

[@TaylerMade]

when i trained many many years ago we trimmed with a chisel at a 45 angle against the board and cutting down on the banding. just slid it along and hey presto perfectly trimmed off. then it was a mill file with one quick pass. still do it today even though i rarely ever use edge banding. very quick and i don't need to any special tools to clutter up the shop.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

The pre-glued edge banding uses a soft adhesive formula which creates squeeze out and is gummy to remove. An efficient craftsman created technique is to coat raw wood edging and the plywood edge with 2 or more coats of modern polyvinyl adhesive (wood glues) and let dry. Using an iron heat press the edging strip onto the plywood edge as one does with adhesive backed commercial edging. When cool trim as normal. The advantage is the polyvinyl edge glue line is undetectable and extremely strong. I never used commercial adhesive edging after trying this shop created technique. Of interest this technique also works with melamine edging. I would suggest using paper between the iron and the edging to protect against possible iron burn marks.

[@sonofsandwiches6892]

I did use 3/4 inch banding on 3/4 inch plywood, making shelves. It works well - because the plywood isn't 3/4 inch any more!! (its slightly less). Also I tried the plastic edge trimmer. It sucked. I get much better results just trimming it with a chisel. Love your mini-iron BTW :)

[@robertrussell6614]

What's hers is hers and what's mine is hers

[@andrewhayes4246]

Yes, what's hers is mine and what's mine is my own.... 😄

[@leonardorojas1781]

Dear James, I would like a video about why melamine (melamine covered boards, 2 sides) is so unpopular in the US 🇺🇸. For me, it's the best industrialized wood panel in the world, and it's unbeatable. It can be used in a variety of applications. So, why is it so unpopular there? Could be an interesting discussion. Thank you 😁

[@akbychoice]

Guessing you meant 13/16” not 3/16” when referencing the 7/8” for 3/4” ply.

[@murphymmc]

A tip for taking care of those errant pin nails as well as brads that follow the grain right out of your finished surface, don't cut them (you'll have to drive the remainder below the surface anyway), don't try to pull them, bend them over a few times and they'll break off, 99.99% of the time, below the surface. No tool marks, no more tear out than what you already have. Caution advised or you'll be pokin' fun at your fingers.

[@kennethholmes9315]

Tip. Try moving brad nails back and forth with a pair of needle nose pliers. The nail or staple will break off below the surface every time. Also I "cut" edge banding with a file. A bastard file works well. Have a good one.

[@gregj2647]

I bought a cheap $5 iron for this and it works great. As others have pointed out, you said 3/16 when you should have said 13/16.

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes. When I misspeak even a little bit I have to hear about over and over and over and over.... It's one of the joys of the job :)

[@stevestikihutable]

At least they are listening!

[@gregj2647]

@@StumpyNubs yeah but the benefits must be great 😂😂😂

[@davidcunningham8319]

You were a week late for this video! I could have really used it last week!

[@BigRaku]

I have one of those 2 sided trimmers and agree it's not always ideal to cut both sides simultaneously. I fixed that by backing off the blades on one side. You still get the stability of straddling the work piece, but can choose cutting direction one side at a time.

[@kaasmeester5903]

That little iron is giving me PTSD levels of flashbacks to applying heat-shrink covering to R/C aircraft. But on the plus side, I still have one of those irons. Somewhere... That trimmy thing at 4:15 looks useful. One more thing to send for.

[@philshock3805]

They're called tacking irons. We used to use them for mounting fiber-based B&W photo prints. Using an entire sheet of adhesive between the print and mounting board, you tack it down in the center with the iron and then stick the entire "assembly" into a heat press. Or ... you can use it to apply adhesive-based edge banding. lol

[@Lady_Miter_Saw]

Excellent video. Doing some edge banding today, in fact!

[@andy-in-indy]

Did you get a new vest or are you losing weight? Either way, looking good!

[@Drukarovf]

Excellent informative video

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job James and really great information for everyone. Thanks for sharing with us, Fred.

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic tips, dude! Thanks a lot! 😊 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@lunarsaquarium5277]

I wish all instructional/advice videos on KZbin were like this. Kudos.

[@MrHarpless]

Hey another great video. Thanks for putting these out. Just dipping my toe in the wood working pond and I find each more educational than the last! Thanks.

[@wolfman75]

Thank You For the info!!! Great Video!!!👍😎

[@Not_TVs_Frank]

My wife is a sewist and quilter and has a tiny little quilting iron. I might try it next time instead our full sized iron. To protect the iron from glue, I use two layers of aluminum foil flat under the iron and folded over the top, secured with painter's tape. It transfers all the heat through and keeps me from getting murdered.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Essential Craftsman is an excellent channel. I started my apprenticeship with two years at the Ford Trade School being taught be instructors who came into the job straight from uni. When I went to work in the real world I found I learned so much more from people with years of of actual on-the-job experience.

[@StumpyNubs]

It is a great channel. However I meant to say Next Level Carpentry

[@marcsheldon6512]

We trimmed the excess with the laminate file held about 3/4 of an inch, 80 degrees above the parent material...works awesome!

[@bijanhakimi7616]

What is the proper setting for the iron to make sure the glue melts in on hand and you don't burn the material on the other?

[@sherbearwalker8812]

I’d like to know the proper iron temperature for edge banding, too! 😊

[@johnslaughter5475]

When I started using our old clothes iron for applying banding I simply bought a new one for clothes. The old one never leaves my shop. I like the clothes iron because I'm putting pressure directly over where I want it. I do use one of those 2-sided trimmers. I have another reason for not using it. The cut-offs come out the sides right where my thumb and fingers are. Sometimes, they get blocked and I have to stop, clear the trimmer, and then finish. Not exactly what I want. Another problem with it is that those thin strips coming out have somewhat sharp edges and they just might give me a cut like a paper cut. So, I'll be getting a new trimmer for when I get back to work come spring.

[@stanleydenning]

I bought a used clothes iron at the Salvation Army for this use. I paid no more than $5 for it.

[@dwightl5863]

@@stanleydenning Got my for $4 at Goodwill. Inexpensive either way.

[@jaymzx0]

The better half bought a fancy one that gets extra hot for transferring embroidery patterns. I tried sneaking away with it for some edge banding, but the thing has an auto-off feature that detects not only standing it on-end, but also if you're not making 'ironing motions'. Needless to say, it was an exercise in frustration.

[@917Stefano]

@@jaymzx0 That is good to know. It sounds like cheap-and-basic is the way to go.

[@jaymzx0]

@@917Stefano As the other people have pointed out, I don't think you can go wrong with a thrift store find as long as you make sure it heats up before you buy it.

[@Bill0102]

This content is remarkable. A book I encountered with a similar premise was life-altering. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint

[@vpconroy]

I'm going to be doing a lot of edge-banding for slab-style drawer and cabinet door fronts in my kitchen. You mentioned you might do a video on a desktop edge-banding machine but didn't see one when I searched. Any recommendations on a specific model? Love your videos!

[@BKMakes]

I like that one-sided edge trimmer.. brilliant, and thanks for the tip!

[@robertmorrison3140]

I don't like to put negative commentary, but I think it's right to share my experience. It took me 3 half days to do 6 drawers. Way too long. First, those cutting tools did not work well. They rip up the strips. The side stripper pulls up more than you want because the wood peels. I could see right away they were messing up the wood that I already laid down and I tried more than once before I gave up and used a utility knife and sandpaper. I realized after, a scalpel would be best. Second,, 3/4 strips for 3/4 in ply is best. Not more. Just line it up well, then you have hardly any trimming to do. Third, no need to over lap the edges. Just cut it right the first time because you don't get any creep. I saw on another video, you can miter the edges with a scalpel. Hm wish I saw that first. My corners are a mess. Fourth, a regular iron is fine. Don't waste your money on a small one unless you do this often. Fifth, an aluminum can with pressure is fine, don't need a roller. The iron itself is heavy. Sixth the file was another waste of money. I put it down and used 220 sandpaper. Much more precise and faster. Amazon, getting a lot of returns from me

[@SY-oy7st]

I learn so much from your videos, thank you.

[@thebl4ckd0g]

great video, I wish I had found this sooner. Definitely going to pick up 1 of those edge banding trimmers you recommended! :)

[@EKEACRES]

Question. Can I Polyurethane a dinette table top that has Birch Edge Banding around it after done new on new Birch Plywood?. I was wondering if it would seal the edge banding in. Thanks.

[@nickduxfield4324]

Can someone give us advice. I have plywood and an abs capping. Which adhesive would work?

[@roomatoid440]

I think you need a few more wood-planes.

[@EricGreniervideo]

Your videos are always very clear and helpful no fluff! Thank you!

[@jppianoguy]

Did you meant Next Level Carpentry for the edge-banding tip? Doesn't sound like Essential Craftsman's type of content.

[@StumpyNubs]

Yes, I think I did. Sorry.

[@houstonsam6163]

Could you follow up describing when to apply edge banding - to the individual pieces before construction, or after construction to the finished piece, and advantages/disadvantages of each. Also for a painted plywood piece, is edge banding a better or worse choice than filling and sanding the edges?

[@onecarwood]

I realized the file the last time I did edge banding at that works great!

[@williesimpson6757]

Video using 1/2” edge banding on 22/32 plywood. How does it look

[@sean3280]

Hey! Great video! What temperature did you set your veneer edge banding iron to?

[@GrabberBlue71]

great vid, good info. do you have a link to that small iron?

[@eclear4evr]

Hey Stumpy, does edge banding have a shelf life? not necessarily the glue, but also the wood flexibilty? If it is kept in a dry space for several years, will it loose its flexibility? what is an easy way to re-introduce moisture if that will let it be more flexible? Thanks!

[@StumpyNubs]

I've never seen it go bad.

[@jordansyoutube]

Learned a lot thanks!

[@amahrihudson5060]

Awesome video, quick question. If I’m planning too apply a veneer top to a dresser with veneer edge banding which should I apply first ? Thank you !!

[@sofiedhaens]

I would like to use edging band on raw MDF for my kitchen cabinet doors. Do you have experience using this type of wood en does it work the same as on plywood? I'm worried the edging would peel off after some time, has this ever happened to you?

[@DKWalser]

An advantage of iron-on edge banding is it reduces the chances of a bad glue joint ruining the shelving or cabinet. If you're cutting your own 1/8" thick hardwood strips, it's easy to end up with a surface that doesn't match up well with the edge of the plywood. If you don't have an expensive drum sander, it's easy to make the join worse with a random orbital sander and hand sanding can take forever. The end result may be a failed glue joint and/or unsightly gaps that need to be filled with putty.

[@David-hm9ic]

Resale shops including places like Goodwill are a great source for cheap workshop irons. I think I gave $2 for mine and it keeps me out of the doghouse. I'm also an RC modeler and will give a covering (tack) iron a try.

[@garydargan6]

I have no real choice but to cut thin timber strips to edge band. The only edge banding available here, including online, is that tacky vinyl faux wood banding. Real timber involves running the panels, shelves etc through a router table to trim the width to match after gluing. I can also use a roundover bit to create a decorative edge.

[@colcol8288]

Super helpful video! Should I stain or seal my cabinet doors before applying the veneer edging? Or do I do that after applying it?

[@philipallard8026]

I didn’t know about the edge banding specific iron. I’m do a lot of work with hide glue and this small iron will make that work a lot easier. Thanks.

[@PAPIOPA1]

Or a travel iron. They must be cheaper than the specific one, and they're about the same size. :)

[@dianesmith5626]

You are wonderful. Thank you.

[@Everyday_Foreman]

The problem with these edge trimmer are they required special blades that are not replaceable and before you know it you are tossing the unit out and buying another. I use the lamented file pushing in a downward direction and slightly moving alone the piece and this forces the banding down and not allowing rip out. This gives a clean finish. I went through a lot of trimmer

[@jasonsilva9091]

I use a banding machine and the side cutter and edge tool is a must the yellow edge cutter is my go-to love the file idea I make alot of sanding blocks I just glue them up so I always have lots in my used sandpaper box

[@Seawizz203]

Red Wings huh? You expect me to take advice from a Red Wings fan? Go B’s! Lol....Thanks for the video and great advice!

[@StumpyNubs]

The Bruins have had a few good years. Let me know when they have 25-straight good years. Meanwhile, I suppose it's nice that you can finally pick on the Wings now that they are rebuilding for the first time since 1990 :)

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

Hi, now edge banging for your own self is good but for clients work such as wardrobes do you think its good enough to do yourself ? i mean will it really last and not peel off?

[@germandiaz1651]

Question when applying edge banding when making a boxs. Do you line up the side wall flush withe the end of the plywood or to the edge banding?

[@MacDaddy88]

Love your channel and Go Wings! I remember watching games with my dad at the old Olympia Arena and of course Joe Louis Arena!

[@aristosandreou267]

A sharp plane iron will trim edge banding perfectly. Especially on melamine faces which are perfectly flat.

[@user443]

Is this kind of edge banding likely to last on the edge of a work table? I just finished an assembly table with reasonably nice 3/4" birch plywood. Was thinking about doing my first edge banding attempt on this table in case I want to "do it for real" on something nicer later. Do you think edge banding would last a little while on a work table? Or, is it a total waste of time and materials? Thank you for your videos.

[@StumpyNubs]

On a table top that will see a fair amount of use I prefer to make a thicker hardwood banding. It stands out more because it's thicker. But if you take the time to miter the corners and just embrace it as a feature of the table top, it will be a lot more durable. The thin stuff is fine for end table tops and things that won't get arms rubbing on the edges. That's just my opinion.

[@cncwoodworxroc6881]

Build a ton using both types of edgebanding professionally, miles of this stuff, ( in addition to 1mm and 3mm PVC). For looks, the veneer pre applied glue edgebanding is pretty hard to beat for looks getting it to match the grain of the face side of the shelves, but as to durability it severely lacks, albeit easily replaceable. Solid wood edging will stand up to some pretty severe abuse, it's just more costly and time consuming. For practice, I would use the "tape" for a workbench, but for any long term application I always go with solid wood edging.

[@tom-840]

As always, a great video from Stumpy Nubs... FWIW, I've never had luck with the yellow edge trimer, but have found a very sharp cranked-neck chisel works well.

[@kristoffscuba5466]

An ultra sharp, wide, flat chisel is still my preferred method for trimming edge banding.

[@penelopemaynard9016]

you are an exemplary teacher. genius. thank you very much. xo

[@josephgosselin1808]

I was taught to use the teeth on a files edge (not all files have teeth on the sides) to shear off the overhang on wood veneer and my hand plane blade for melamine tape. (No grain direction). Commercial cutters tend to follow grain and pull veneer out.

[@robertwren2289]

Even tho I'm not a wood worker, I enjoy watching your channel. I have bought a few tools because of watching your channel. Thank you.

[@brewbuildsit]

Could you add captions to your videos ? I think it is just a selection option when you upload. 🙏

[@stevenrayhoward]

I may have missed it searching through the comments, and I am not able to find it using search engine tools on the Internet... I've even looked for it on the packaging it is in (bought from the big-box store locally). WHAT is the thickness of iron-on edge banding? 1/32" 1/64"? Thanks for your help in assisting me with this answer.

[@leonardorojas1781]

1/64 is too thin. So it must be 1/32 :)

[@stevenrayhoward]

@@leonardorojas1781 Thank you very much. I went out and purchased a very nice fractional caliper... Yep, 1/32 it is! Makes a difference when assembly time comes!

[@charlesearl3994]

There is a few things on that video that I didn't know so it helped me out a lot thank you.

[@dougveganparadisebuilder5808]

I am edge banding with a can of contact glue. It sticks! So aim is super important because when it touches it is either in place or remove it and start again for there is zero room for correction.

[@learemington1700]

Good informative program. I do a lot of edge banding and use a dedicated household iron i bought at a goodwill store for $4.00.

[@chriscalon8913]

I just finished a big project where I edge banded the whole thing. I wish you had created this video a few weeks ago. I trimmed everything with a knife. I would say I was 85 percent successful, but it would have been better to have had these tips. I think for the speed and cost it worked out, but if I had more time I would go with hardwood edges.

[@patchesofgreen3832]

Using a file to clean up the edges! Great idea. Side note, I have two shop irons: 1 for gluing and 1 for melting wax. I wax skis, and it's convenient to drip wax into tight corners where my own stumpy fingers don't quite reach.

[@ALHTX1]

Have you ever had iron on edge banding start to peel after paint?

[@williamellis8993]

More great info, James. Looks like I'll be buying more tools now (oh no).

[@bradklaatu]

Great video as usual. Have a very groovy Christmas.

[@Yawles]

Excellent! I enjoy your method of presentation. And I'm just getting ready to edge band my router table cabinet. Your timing is impeccable. Thanks, James!

[@rachelsmith3398]

I'm working on a storage cabinet top that will be 1.5" thick. I built up edges with 3/4" plywood strips, and am using 2" edge banding. The first practice on my mock up produced what felt like a bunch of voids, places where the glue did not affix properly, like bubbles but not raised. The second mock up and edgebanding application produced perfect results. JSO Wood products (the maker of the orange, one sided trimmer) says the denser the material's adge, the better the edge banding goes down. Is it ok to fill with wood filler all those plywood voids and soft layers, and then sand/vaccum, tac cloth for smooth clend edge and then apply my iron edge banding? Other than extra time any reason NOT to do this?

[@rachelsmith3398]

(I re-ironed the places where glue didnt affix proerly and that didn't help).

[@StumpyNubs]

You could do that, but I have never had a need to.

[@rachelsmith3398]

Thanks for responding. (I image You spend a fair amount of time answering viewer questions!) Motivated by a bit of fear of repeating the unhappy, uneven adhesion of the one mock-up, I filled plywood voids, gave a skim coat of wood filler, sanded and ironed on edging with a perfect result. Prob not necessary but time is one thing I have during COVID-19 sheltering in place!