4. Female Cut
5. Male Cut
6. Connector
Two more of the bushes are located
along the edge of the jig to butt up
against the postformed edge.
Depending on whether the joint is a
left or right hand joint, the laminate
surface may be facing up or down.
The jig is held securely to the
worktop with two clamps. The
routing operation is then made in
three or four passes depending on
the thickness of the worktop.
Two of the aluminium bushes are
now re-positioned and the jig laid
across the second worktop for the
male cut. Again, the laminate of the
worktop may be facing up or down.
The router is guided against the left
hand side of the aperture as before.
With the two worktops now cut,
slide them together face down. The
worktops can now have the recesses
cut for the connection bolts. A
minimum of two bolts are required
per joint, positioned at least 150mm
from either end. The exact positions
will be governed by the supports of
the carcass as access will be required
to tighten the bolts. The recesses
should be cut to a depth so that the
centre line of the connector is aligned
with the centre line of the worktop.
8. Assembly Tips
7. Biscuit Jointing
The strength of the joint can be
increased by biscuit jointing at regular
intervals along the chipboard core.
This can be carried out with the
router fitted with the 342 Biscuit Joint
cutter set. Use large No. 20 biscuits
and fit at least four biscuits per joint.
In some kitchens, assembly may
be difficult without an extra
pair of hands. Apply PVA glue
to the slots, place biscuits in
position and spread glue evenly
along each edge. It is also a
good idea to run a silicone
bead along the top edge to
prevent any moisture from
entering the joint when pulled
tight. Once the joint is
together, ensure that the top surface
is flush. Finally, tighten the bolt
connectors with a 10mm spanner and
remove any excess glue or silicone.
Cutters to use
A 12.7mm (1/2 inch)
diameter long reach
cutter is required for
cutting the joint.
Conventional brazed
tipped cutters reference
3/83D or C153 can be
used. Alternatively a
replaceable tipped tool
reference RT/11 offering
increased economy and
productivity.
Autumn 1999
INProfile
17