u/Millhousegolfs

Working on a job site where we’re installing veneer sheets on walls with a 5/16” gap between sheets to create a reveal line, so all the exposed edges need to be finished cleanly.
The builder ordered non-glued edge banding instead of iron-on, so I’m looking for a portable/on-site edge bander that has a glue pot and applies the hot-melt adhesive to the banding as you go.
Some of these panels are full 4’ x 8’ sheets, with a bunch of other sizes and shapes, so I need something handheld/portable that can be brought to the panel rather than feeding the panel through a stationary machine.
Has anyone had good luck with an on-site edge bander for this type of work? Obviously the Festool Conturo is probably the go-to, but I’d rather not spend Festool money if there’s a solid alternative.
Any recommendations?

Hey everyone,

I run a small finish carpentry business in the Muskoka area (northern Ontario). We do a lot of high end cottages, so we’re installing plenty of wood siding and tongue and groove ceilings.

I’m currently pricing a job against another company. The owner and I are on good terms. We compete on projects and talk shop once in a while. He told the builder that he PL’s every piece of wood siding and every piece of tongue and groove he installs.

That surprised me, and I’m curious what everyone else is doing?

With lumber quality seeming to get worse over the years, is gluing everything becoming standard practice? My understanding has always been that wood needs to expand and contract naturally, and that proper acclimatization before installation is more important than gluing every board.

Muskoka has cold winters and hot summers if anyone’s not familiar with the area.

Do you glue every piece of wood siding?

Do you glue every piece of tongue and groove?

If you do, why?

I’ve only had one ceiling buckle over the 20+years I’ve been doing carpentry. It was a design flaw in the ventilation and poor materials

I’d love to hear what guys in different climates are doing and whether this is becoming common practice or if it’s overkill.