Lamination Help

[Jackie]

[font color="mediumblue" face="georgia"]
Hi guys!
I have psyched myself up and want to build (mostly myself) some custom bird
gyms for my little bird buddies. They are basically just a base, with dowel
structures to make ladders, and swings and stuff for them to play on.

My boyfriend reads this forum a lot and posts here sometimes too and told me
what a great help it can be. Thought maybe someone could help me out too :)

My question is about the base.. Most of the nice ones are made with
laminated formica tops over particle board. This is where I am lost and my
boyfriend has never done it either. Instead of bothering him and making him
research I want to do as much of this on my own as I can. I found a pretty
good site I think to explain the process at:

http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/htseries/formica.html

Since the base doesn't have to be very strong anyway would be it cheaper to
use 3/4 AC plywood instead or is particle board cheaper?

And where can I get the type of stuff I would want to laminate for something
like this? Does anyone know an online site I can order everything I need?
The Formica/cement/roller/etc. I guess I could use the thinnest stuff they
make since it wont be getting much wear from my birds.

Any help would soo greatly appreciated!
Thank you! :P

[Grandad]

>Since the base doesn't have to be very strong anyway would
>be it cheaper to
>use 3/4 AC plywood instead or is particle board cheaper?

The price depends on where you buy it. Menards sells both in 2x4, 4x4 and 8x4 sheets. The smaller ones cost more per square foot, but if you need less than a full sheet it can be worth it. One store might be cheaper on full sheets but not sell small pieces, another might have scraps for a couple of bucks. You really just have to look around or call whoever is in your area.

>Does anyone know an online site I can order
>everything I need?

I doubt these are the kinds of things you want to order online without some knowledge. Since you aren't familiar with the tools, how would you compare what one store sells to another? Unless someone here can recommend a particular model at a store, you may want to go look at it at the local borg. I would NOT order plywood, particle board or other sheet goods online. The cost of shipping will more than offset any possible savings.

>The Formica/cement/roller/etc. I guess I could use the
>thinnest stuff they

Menards also sells plastic laminate, as does Lowes. I assume HD does also. The cement is available at these stores and hardware stores. You don't need a j-roller for small pieces, although it does make it easier. If you are doing small pieces you could do without, or buy one to make it easier.

Pretty much the best thing to do is to go to a local lumber store/borg and ask soem questions. Although you may get people who are clueless, usually there is someone there who can at least lead you to the product. You may get lucky and find someone who can tell you everything you know - it is worth trying.

[TheWoodMan]

Most laminate shops will give you the sink cutouts for free. They are already laminated to the counter base. All you have to do is like the colors they have! Also they usually have the cutouts from the all plastic tops like Corian too. You can cut and router these too, and they will clean easily (I'm thinking about why you need newspapers in the bottom of the cage... :))

Dave

[Jackie]

[font face="georgia"] [font color="mediumblue]
Well the reason I was hoping to find an online site to order the Formica for
the tops is that I have already been to the local stores, and they just have
the normal boring kitchen designs. I would like something a little more
colorful and cute for my bird gyms. A bunch of my friends already told me
they wanted a few too! Before I even have any supplies or know what im
doing!

So it looks like I need to get rolling, I called a few custom
cabinet/kitchen places and they seemed to think I was nuts for even asking
to buy the cut outs. They would most likely have the normal designs anyway.
I have seen other gyms for sale with the colorful design of Formica, so I
know they are out there I just need to find a place/site where I could get
some.

[Jackie]

Well the reason I was hoping to find an online site to order the Formica for
the tops is that I have already been to the local stores, and they just have
the normal boring kitchen designs. I would like something a little more
colorful and cute for my bird gyms. A bunch of my friends already told me
they wanted a few too! Before I even have any supplies or know what im
doing!

So it looks like I need to get rolling, I called a few custom
cabinet/kitchen places and they seemed to think I was nuts for even asking
to buy the cut outs. They would most likely have the normal designs anyway.
I have seen other gyms for sale with the colorful design of Formica, so I
know they are out there I just need to find a place/site where I could get
some.

[aawood]

Jackie, check with the local cabinet shops again and ask them if they can order the plastic for you. They or the local building supply/big boxes should be able to order any of the colors or at least put you onto a close cabinet supply dealer. Any chance you're in the upper SE-Ohio, KY, TN?

[Jackie]

Actually, I'm in Akron, Ohio. Do you know of any places around here...?

[Ken Dolph - Buffalo, NY]

Jackie

Trust me, you want to use Corian. There will be no need to laminate. The stuff is tough and easy to work with.

Check out the site below for the material and a free booklet on working with Corian in the home workshop.

I hope that this helps

Ken

http://stonewood.safeshopper.com

[aawood]

Jackie, check here www.cabinetsupplier.com. Hope this helps you out.