So I picked up a vintage  Mayline Futur-Matic-Drafting-Table.

 

This table is electrically adjustable from about 30" to 48" above the floor, and works great.

My goal is to rehab it into a standing desk. This means addressing the top. I would like to make a new top with a laminate top (formica, wilsonart etc.). It will see use 7-8hrs a day.

This top will be 3'x6' I would really like to have a waterfall/rounded profile on the long edges.

This brings up the question of is this something I can successfully do myself with say a heat gun and patience? Or should it be left up to the pros?  What radius do you think would be a safe bend? Suggestions or Ideas?    

 

Thanks,

TxMoose

 

MAYLINE 1.pdf

MAYLINE 2.pdf

If that front piece is metal and it has to stay, I'm not sure you can get a laminate to adhere. Especially, at that radius.

Others here may have some ideas. 

If it were wood, the curve would need to be formed prior to the application. I'd use heat and a metal pipe. Start with a few inches more than you need. Then trim after it's stuck down.

The pros have a machine...I think it's called post forming...maybe.

Edited January 31, 20179 yr by Gene Howe

Never tried it but here's a video-

 

 

 

Not likely. 

 

Think of plan B. 

 

How about leather rimmed with wood. 

 I forgot to say that when I rehab the top the whole thing would be replaced. I would make a new substrate the laminate to.

TxMoose

How about a laminate top and band the edges with wood that you could put that round profile on?

Depending on the depth you want the big box has countertop with rounded edge. May only be 24 inches deep.

I have no idea, but I would be tempted to go to the Restore and get a piece of laminate ( at  mine you can get damaged 1/2 sheets for $5) and try to do it. If it doesn't work you have the answer.

There is a post forming grade of laminate along with the normal other grades.       I don't think you could make that length of post form edge at home.   I would either keep the metal edge or have a wood formed edge.   The other option is to see what a counter shop would charge. Roly

Not possible to do all three edges (I asked the counter shop guy on my street)  I like Kelly's idea w/ wood banding.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll have to ponder this some more. Have to admit I'm tempted to try at least one long edge myself. 

If I can get one edge rounded I'm good with the others being square, so a trip to the local restore seems like it is in order. 

A quick inquiry (only called one place) got a ballpark number of $330 for a counter top shop to make it up, they would radius the 2 long sides and leave the short ones square. 

The wood edge had already come to mind, so I haven't ruled that out.

I'll keep ya posted.

TxMoose

Or you could do this to the edges.

43 minutes ago, Smallpatch said:

Or you could do this to the edges.

A nice alternative. Heck of a lot less hassle, too.

 

Edited February 1, 20179 yr by Gene Howe

As mentioned above the are different grades of laminate with post-forming being the thinnest and is used where tight radiuses are needed.  As JoeB41 also stated, you can't have a 3 sided radiused top.  Most shops will clip the corner at a 45 degree angle but put a straight edge on the ends. 

Another option I didn't see mentioned would be to consider a solid-surface top (think Corian).  You might be able to pick up some remnants at a countertop shop and you can use regular woodworking tools to put your waterfall edge on it. 

9 hours ago, Roly said:

There is a post forming grade of laminate

that is often referred to as VT... Very Thin...

it's manufactured w/ post shaping in mind...

Thanks for the replies keep them coming. Where's the stuff about being radius down three sides coming from,, I don't think I've ever said that. I did say that I would radius the two long edges. Anyhow just wanted to clear up at I'm not crazy I know I can't radius  all  4 edges or even three of them if I use the laminate and want to Waterfall them. That would only be possible with a wood Edge or the solid surface option. Thanks for the heads up on the post forming/ VT laminate.

" I know I can't radius  all  4 edges or even three of them "

 

Heat and pressure....sure...most likely not at home, but it's possible...

7 minutes ago, p_toad said:

" I know I can't radius  all  4 edges or even three of them "

 

Heat and pressure....sure...most likely not at home, but it's possible...

 I'll let you give it a whirl I want nothing to do with that 

Edited February 2, 20179 yr by TxMoose
because

1 hour ago, TxMoose said:

I know I can't radius  all  4 edges or even three of them

yes you can but the corners will be seemed...

practice w/ a sheet of craft paper...

OK I get it I was wrong. It's not the look I'm going for anyway. If I want to do origami I'll use paper.