Inlayind Formica
#31
Even if the lid is warped, the edge of MDF + Formica inlay won't show if the recess is routed to an equal depth everywhere, and it will be if you start in the center and work your way out, and the inlay is clamped uniformly during glue up.  A sandbag or two will accomplish that.  

John
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#32
Ah, you are suggesting MDF just under the formica? I’ve never seen thin MDF.
Carolyn

Trip Blog for Twelve Countries:   [url=http://www.woodworkingtraveler.wordpress.com[/url]

"It's good to know, but it's better to understand."  Auze Jackson
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#33
(11-20-2019, 01:58 PM)MsNomer Wrote: Ah, you are suggesting MDF just under the formica?  I’ve never seen thin MDF.

Yes, 1/4" MDF would be the substrate for the Formica.  Then that is inlayed into the top as a unit.  1/4" MDF should be available in partial sheets at your local HD.  They have 2 x 2 panels at my local HD for $3.99 each, or one day delivery for stuff that's not.  

John
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#34
Hmmm, I’m wondering whether that would be enough to force the warp out—about 1/4” along the diagonal. Interesting thought. I have plenty of Formica, so I just may try that. If it doesn’t work, I’m only out some time and the ply I wouldn’t be able to use anyway.
Carolyn

Trip Blog for Twelve Countries:   [url=http://www.woodworkingtraveler.wordpress.com[/url]

"It's good to know, but it's better to understand."  Auze Jackson
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#35
(11-20-2019, 05:48 PM)MsNomer Wrote: Hmmm, I’m wondering whether that would be enough to force the warp out—about 1/4” along the diagonal.  Interesting thought.  I have plenty of Formica, so I just may try that.  If it doesn’t work, I’m only out some time and the ply I wouldn’t be able to use anyway.

My advise is to start with flat materials.  Save the warped stuff for something that doesn't matter.  

John
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#36
I’ll call it my test piece.  
Wink   Besides, I’ve got several days invested in the rest of the piece where warp didn’t matter.
Carolyn

Trip Blog for Twelve Countries:   [url=http://www.woodworkingtraveler.wordpress.com[/url]

"It's good to know, but it's better to understand."  Auze Jackson
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#37
It is done. I started with a new sheet of plywood, less warped than the first. Dry fit was perfect. Glue-up not so. Only thing I can figure is that the MDF swelled. The result is that the inlay is about 1/32 proud. Not catastrophic And not very noticeable, but not what I wanted.

Because the grain is matched across the counter, I can’t just make a new lid, so I will live with this for a while.

[Image: 7-C2-F6051-9-FB1-420-D-B452-694-F1087-A889.jpg]
Carolyn

Trip Blog for Twelve Countries:   [url=http://www.woodworkingtraveler.wordpress.com[/url]

"It's good to know, but it's better to understand."  Auze Jackson
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#38
Jeez, it looks good from here and you are likely to be the only one to see that it's proud.  Drop back and declare victory!


Smile
Mike


If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room!

But not today...
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#39
Agreed.  Looks very nice to me as well.  

John
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#40
Looks to me like everything else you do...excellent! Well done.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
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