Pre-Glued Wood Veneer Edgebanding Application Instructions
Using a hot bar or hot drum table top edgebander
In this case, the heat is applied by the wood surface running over the hot bar or drum. (temperature setting @ 395 F)
The board is layed flat on the table and pushed against the hot glue, and the board is pushed along the hot bar or drum at a slow and steady speed.
There is normally a pressure bar or roller just past the heater bar to hold pressure on the banding until the adhesive sets up.
A small bead of adhesive should be visible at the point where the band meets the edge of the board.
Leaving the board next to the heater bar for too long can result in burning the veneer.
Using a hot air table top edgebander
Hot air is blown on the adhesive side of the banding just before it is applied to the board. (temperature setting @ 395 F)
There is also a pressure bar or roller to apply pressure until the adhesive sets.
Again, the board is slowly moved at a speed that allows the adhesive to melt.
A small bead of adhesive should be visible at the point where the band meets the edge of the board.
Using a hand iron
The hand iron is pressed onto the wood surface of the banding.
The iron should be set at about “Medium” or “Cotton” if it is a household iron.
The iron is moved slowly along the band with downward force.
You should be able to see a small bead of adhesive along the underside of the band if the adhesive is melting and flowing.
Pressure must be applied behind the iron with a block of wood or other hard substance to apply pressure until the adhesive hardens.
Leaving the iron in one place too long can result in burning the veneer. Keep the iron moving.
Notes For Success
With any application of edgebanding using hot melt adhesive, the key elements for success are temperature at the glue line, rate of feed, and pressure applied. With all of the hand operations, the person pushing the board or the iron controls these three elements. It is difficult to apply consistent heat, pressure and movement with a hand iron. It takes training and practice. We find that problems often develop when the “regular guy” is on vacation or not present for some other reason. A person just starting out can become proficient in a couple of hours, but during that time may produce some suspect goods.