Trimming edge banding on my shelves

[MT Stringer]

While building some cabinets for a kitchen remodel, I had to apply edge banding to several shelves. OK, it was 14 of them!

 

I had seen a Woodsmith video where they demonstrated how to trim the edge with a router, so I tried it. That was easy and went fairly quick also.

 

Basically, you do two or more shelves at a time. Put them on edge with a spacer in between. Then run a router with a flush trim bit along the edges. Zoom, zoom! I think the pictures tell the story better than I can describe it. The wooden hand clamps worked very well to stabilize the whole thing. Well, I might have used a couple more clamps to keep everything stable.

[lew]

Now that is slick! Thanks for the post!

[kmealy]

Clever.  I normally use solid edge banding, unless it's curved, but this would work for solid too.

[Gene Howe]

Thanks, mike. Good idea. 

[MT Stringer]

I forgot to mention the reasoning behind this method is to provide support for the router as it is moved along the edge. That helps prevent tipping on the narrow (3/4 inch) edge. Works as advertised, I might add.

[Chips N Dust]

Thanks for the tip!

 

I'll bet if you could get a big enough clamp for the base, you could do about 5 or 6 at one time.

[MT Stringer]

57 minutes ago, Chips N Dust said:

Thanks for the tip!

 

I'll bet if you could get a big enough clamp for the base, you could do about 5 or 6 at one time.

May have to try it with a couple of Besseys

[Grandpadave52]

Hey Thanks Mike...Great idea...BTW like your idea of holes drilled into your wood clamps to engage in a bench dog & hole. Clever...Two great tips.

[Joeb41]

I have tried many ways of doing this job, none as nice as yours, Thanks MT.