6 Best Iron for Edge Banding Reviewed With Types and Buying Guide
Are you stuck on a cabinet project with a lot of edging work left to do? You’re not sure which instruments are best suited for doing so swiftly and without much difficulty or pain? Is it necessary to edge band in the corners where your iron cannot be inserted? Then this post is just what you need right now. I’ll go through how to use it appropriately, including a list of the best iron for edge banding, as well as several time-saving strategies. Now let’s jump into the article to learn more about edge banding irons.
Is a Clothing Iron Safe to Use for Edge Banding?
The first thought that will come to mind if you are new to this profession is, “Can I use my clothing iron to complete this job?” Yes, it is the solution. Although a clothes iron can be used to attach the edge supply, you shouldn’t ever intend to use it for fabric again. Because the materials have glue connected to one side, which melts when heated by an equipment like an iron and then permanently adheres to whatever was used as a heat source, removing this glue would be challenging and may destroy your garments.
The design is yet another important obstacle to using a regular cloth iron. Not all clothing iron models are appropriate for edge-banding jobs. Some flat surfaces contain a steam hole in the center that, if you don’t discover it, will damage your job. Others may be too hot and burn delicate material like plywood instead of heat-bonding it together while others may be too hefty and big to operate with little corners or surfaces.
I compiled a list of some of the greatest clothes irons and specialty irons created specifically for applying edge banding. I suggest these models if you wish to utilize a clothing iron.
Different Types Of Edge Banding Iron
Although there isn’t a category for different sorts of iron, after working on cabinet projects for ten years, I found these four categories to be useful. Although this will differ from person to person, it works rather well for me.
Regular Edge Banding Iron
This particular iron is excellent for edge banding and sealing plastic or polybags. What’s best? No negatives! Although there are other sorts, they aren’t always the best for all jobs. This does all tasks. Therefore, I advise purchasing one to complete your ideal edging job. It may not be the cheapest choice available, but it isn’t overly expensive either.
Small Clothing Iron
In many respects, a small clothes iron is the polar opposite of a large one. It’s simple to use for every job, but because it weighs less than its larger sibling, it takes longer to complete. Depending on your demands, it could fit some big corners but not others. If you require a heat tool with finer controls or fewer components, such as a curling iron or a sealing iron.
Large Clothing Iron
Want to swiftly and simply attach a lengthy piece of edge banding? Use a big clothing iron, of course. You won’t have to go over the same place more than once since it will cover a larger area. Additionally, because it weighs more than the typical clothes iron, less pressure needs to be applied to the surface to ensure an equal attachment all around. Consider a scenario in which there is no space required or desired between the edge supply and its binding glue. Then, without the need for extra tools like rollers or other flat items below, this powerful tool can accomplish some pretty incredible things on its own. In fact, you might not even need one at all.
Users may quickly construct their chosen design with a larger-sized clothing iron. When purchasing an iron, you must take the disadvantage of weight into account. For some persons who have problems carrying large objects while constructing furniture, the weight of oversized irons, which tend to be heavier than other varieties, might be a concern. Large versions often have the disadvantage of being difficult to fit into corners, whereas smaller models would provide users more freedom to move around edges and curves when using.
Hair Curling Iron
I discovered that although edge banding is often attached with a curling iron, sometimes it was useful. I used the curling iron to quickly finish a task where I needed to reach an area that my garment iron couldn’t since I didn’t have any sealing irons. For melting the adhesive within the material, I occasionally utilized heat guns as well. These approaches are less effective than more conventional solutions like garment irons or sealing.
Reviews of The 6 Best Edge Banding Iron
Now I will provide you with a list of the top 6 best iron for edge banding in 2022.
1. O’SKOOL Veneer Edge Banding Sealing Iron
Overview
Brand: O’SKOOL
Product: O’SKOOL LCD Display Veneer Edge Banding Sealing Iron
Included Components: 1 Edge Banding Sealing Iron, 110V cord, Safety metal stand, cotton sock and operating instruction.
Key Features
- The sock protects your iron’s coating and covering and guards against scratches and fading.
- It is suitable for sealing and edge banding veneer.
The O’skool Veneer Edge Banding and Sealing Iron are made to be as convenient as possible for you. It may be applied on any type of veneer, including laminated veneer, veneer with numerous layers, and veneer with solid wood edge banding or sealing. The LCD screen on this 110-volt corded iron shows the temperature range as 100°C to 220°C (10°F).
With the push of a single button, it offers precision control and makes setting adjustments simple. Additionally, by holding down the ON/OFF buttons for roughly 3 seconds, you may switch between °C and °F.
Using specially-designed tips that function well in fillets, curves, and other areas of the project or object where an even appearance would not be achievable otherwise, the ergonomic handle design makes it easy to access tight corners. It includes a sturdy metal support that lets you set it down on any surface without being concerned that it may topple over. The cotton sock shields your heat-sealing iron’s coating and covering from damage by preventing scuffing and scratching.
Pros
- A temperature range of 100°C – 220°C (212°F to 428°F)
- Easy to change temperature setting
- Temperature is shown on a digital LCD monitor.
- Cotton socks help shield surfaces from scuffs and blemishes.
- A tiny body and ergonomic grip will allow you to reach tight spots.
Cons
- Unsuitable for a large project.
2. WoodRiver Veneer Edge Banding Iron
Overview
Brand: WoodRiver
Product: WoodRiver Digital LCD Display Veneer Edge Banding Iron
Included Components: 1 Edge Banding Sealing Iron
Item Weight: 15.7 ounces
Key Features
- The temperature setting is clearly displayed on the digital LCD display.
- Temperature control ranges from 100°C to 220°C (212°F to 428°F).
- 4′ 9″, 110V power cord – Automatic shutoff after six hours.
A new digital iron for the woodworking sector is the Woodriver Digital LCD Display Veneer Edge Banding Iron. This professional-grade iron includes a precise digital temperature control from 100°C to 220°C (212°F to 428°F) and an easy-to-read LCD display that clearly indicates the temperature setting. A 4′ 9′′, 110V power cord and an automatic shutdown mechanism are included. After six hours, it will turn off, and there is no danger that the bands will burn. Toggling between °C and °F is fairly simple. The on/off button may be long-pressed for three seconds to switch the display from °F to °C and vice versa.
Even if it’s not the best iron for big tasks, you still need one. Since it is smaller than most irons, you can use it to access confined spaces where an iron of a typical size couldn’t. The majority of jobs occasionally need reaching a difficult area, therefore having this item in your toolbox can help you do the job fast.
Pros
- Easily convertible from °C to °F and vice-versa.
- It has a lengthy power cord (5-inch).
- Its little size enables you to access a small corner.
- Plastic may be sealed using this iron.
- More than 400°F may be set as the temperature.
Cons
- Not appropriate for a large project.
3. Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron
Overview
Brand: Oliso
Product: Oliso M2 Mini Project Steam Iron with Solemate
Base Material: Ceramic
Wattage: 1000 watts
Item Weight: 2.2 pounds
Key Features
- An ergonomic compact and lightweight design.
- Practical high-temperature silicone stand.
- Let’s you leave your iron in the face-down position.
The Mini Project Iron is a full-sized iron that is compressed to a small size. This iron was created with crafters in mind and is excellent for sewing and quilting. Its compact size makes it ideal for on-the-go ironing needs because it can fit next to a sewing machine or in a travel bag. With tools that work for you, Oliso aims to make your life simpler. You could notice a few droplets in the water tank since every project iron’s steam performance is checked.
The Oliso M2 Pro iron quickly warms up and is essential for handling any delicate jobs. Oliso’s small size makes for simple storage. On the maximum level, it can heat up in 45 seconds, making it a wonderful tool for desperately needing speedy results. Even with its diminutive size compared to other irons out there like Oliso’s bigger version, the 180° pivot cord enables versatility allowing both right or left-handed operation. It also has an 8-foot-long power cable that reaches around corners well enough.
It keeps the temperature uniform over the whole flat surface. You may leave the device face down without worrying about scorching your tables thanks to the Sole Mate function! You won’t have hand ache when working on crafts like edge banding because this little iron is lightweight. In addition, it features a sharp, narrow corner that allows it to reach corners with ease.
Pros
- The Oliso M2 Pro is small and light.
- You have the confidence to tackle any project.
- 8-foot-long power cable.
- It maintains a steady temperature over the whole flat surface.
- It warms up in 45 seconds on the maximum setting.
Cons
- Some people may feel hard to hold it in hand.
4. WASING Lightweight Portable Dry Iron
Overview
Brand: WASING
Product: WASING Lightweight Portable Dry Iron
Wattage: 700 watts
Base Material: Stainless Steel
Item Weight: 2.75 pounds
Key Features
- The soleplate measures 7.3 inches.
- Upgraded Stainless steel soleplate for smooth ironing(without Steam).
This iron was chosen because it has a very smooth surface, which will be useful for banding with a veneer edge band. This iron also has several eye-catching features that help me obtain the perfect edge band every time.
The WASING Portable dry iron is compact, light, and simple to use. It may be used to press veneer into the edge of a variety of products. It includes a stainless-steel soleplate with an adjustable temperature control dial that allows you to regulate the temperature to 230 degrees C. (446 F). The WASING Lightweight Portable edge banding iron also has a 360-degree swivel cord that allows you to easily navigate it around clothing or furniture while using it.
It is suitable for edge banding and straight-line glue joins. The chord is 6 1/2 feet long, which expands the operating space. WASING Portable edge banding iron has a soleplate length of 7.3 inches, making it very simple to operate. Its heating element is composed of ceramic, so it heats up rapidly and uses little energy. This Portable edge banding iron’s body weights roughly 2 pounds, making it heavier for speedier edge banding.
Based on the original automated temperature management technology, the improved version maintains a more balanced and consistent temperature. Because the thermostat is keeping the temperature according to the fabric dial marking, the poilt lamp will light up at the start of ironing and then switch off automatically after a time, then turn on again and repeat. This is safer and easy to use.
Pros
- The heating system is really quick.
- Temperatures can reach 446 degrees Fahrenheit.
- A 6.5-foot-long 360-degree cable makes for easy use.
- The weight is ideal for edge banding.
- It has a non-steam surface that is quite flat.
Cons
- It lacks an automated shut-off system.
5. Rowenta Access Steam Iron
Overview
Brand: Rowenta
Product: Rowenta Access Steam Iron
Base Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1700 watts
Included Components: Iron, instructions, warranty card
Item Weight: 3.46 Pounds
Key Features
- More than 300 micro-holes for ultimate steam distribution.
- Excellent steam distribution with a perfect glide.
- Auto-off features shut off iron when left unattended.
The Rowenta Acces Steam iron was created to make garment care simpler day after day, with maximum steam distribution and high-quality engineering that’s meant to last. But this clothing iron is also suitable for edge banding. The stainless steel soleplate has revolutionary Microsteam technology, which provides optimum steam coverage with over 300 micro holes for optimal efficiency and glide. Long lasting performance is ensured with high quality stainless steel and a sturdy construction, with adequate steam force to attack even the most obstinate wrinkles.
Vertical steaming is made simple for a variety of clothing, including suits, delicates, and even curtains. A number of innovative features, including as quick refills and a precise tip for hard-to-reach regions, combine to provide a trustworthy and long-lasting steam iron bundle. It has enhanced safety with an auto-off feature that shuts off the iron when left unattended. An easy-to-use 3-setting thermoknob with a precise tip for hard-to-reach regions makes ironing straightforward. Through the use of the revolutionary Microstream 300 soleplate technology, you may have more efficient ironing sessions and superior steam distribution with a smooth glide. Easy and convenient refill process. All those feature makes it a good choice not only for edge banding but also for clothing iron.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Long lasting steam iron.
- High quality stainless steel.
- Powerful shot of steam (180g/min) for stubborn creases.
- 300 steam holes for a smoother glide.
Cons
- It is unable to reach the tiny corners.
6. Rowenta DW8080 Professional Micro Steam Iron
Overview
Brand: Rowenta
Product: Rowenta DW8080 Professional Micro Steam Iron
Base Material: Stainless Steel
Wattage: 1700 watts
Item Weight: 3.5 Pounds
Key Features
- A three-way automated shut-off mechanism decreases the possibility of an accident.
- This strong iron is ideal for handling big edge banding applications.
- A comfortable handle will make your hand more comfortable.
This is a clothes iron that can also be used for edge banding, which is the process of bonding narrow ornamental strips to the edges of wooden panels. This model features 400 small steam holes, although they are neither huge nor curved enough to impede the job’s process.
Rowenta iron is a fantastic device that can be used to make attractive and professional-looking cloth edges. The Rowenta iron has 1700 watts of power, which will let you to do the work swiftly. This iron includes numerous characteristics that will make daily use easier for you, such as an ergonomic handle that is easy to grasp. The Rowenta iron also comes with a 7-foot cable with 360-degree moveability, allowing you to quickly maneuver around any job.
Rowenta’s iron has a three-way automatic shut-off mechanism that activates after 8 minutes vertically, 30 seconds face down, or on its side. This iron is made to last, with features including a stainless-steel soleplate, an anti-calcium system that can be used with any water, and an auto-cleaning system.
Pros
- simple to use.
- A broad and 360-degree rotatable cord.
- This design is perfect for edge banding tasks.
- Auto shut off feature.
- Stainless-steel soleplate with precision tip.
- 400+ steam holes.
- 150g/min burst of steam.
Cons
- It cannot fit into the tight corners.
Buying Guide for Edge Banding Iron
Therefore, how do you pick the best edge banding iron? There are a few things to think about first, though. These top 6 best iron for edge banding won’t perform flawlessly on every project. Based on the requirements and preferences of your application, you should choose your equipment. So, let’s go through some of the key considerations when selecting a machine for a certain job location.
Tips for choosing a best iron for edge banding for yourself:
Price Range
A fantastic product does not have to be costly. All of these items are quite reasonably priced. If you have a limited budget, Wasing is the greatest option; otherwise, select what works best for your needs. But remember spending money on quality product is no waste.
Size of The Project
Woodriver or O’SKOOL are preferable for a smaller and more adaptable project, such as edge banding, because they are designed for this purpose. Rowenta, WASING, and Oliso will produce the greatest results for larger projects. However, all of these irons have been tested for usage in big project situations, so the choice is entirely personal.
If you have a large shop with a lot of projects, an iron might not be the ideal solution for you. So, you should think about getting a professional edge bander to meet your needs.
Surface
It is critical to have a level surface during edge banding. All of the goods described above have flat and uncarved surfaces that do not interfere with the project. Some of them have holes on their surfaces, but they are tiny enough to be overlooked when working on your project.
Type of Project
If you’re building a cabinet, there may be some little sections that require edge banding. If your giant iron cannot fit within the space, don’t worry since I have two smaller irons: WoodRiver and O’skool. However, these two models aren’t suited for larger projects since their size won’t produce acceptable results, and they won’t be able to reach such locations on huge pieces of furniture (O’Skool).
However, while contemplating acquiring this equipment, evaluate whether or not there may be a future need for huge tools in close quarters. If so, purchasing both small and big versions may still make sense. However, if you are not planning to perform several tasks, acquire one of them and begin your project.
Additional Aids for Perfect Edge Banding
I’ll now highlight a few practical items that might assist you complete your edge banding project successfully.
Scissor
To cut the piece of edge banding off the huge roll, you will need a sharp pair of scissors. Cutting utilizing scissors will result in pieces with square edges and no jagged or uneven edges, which will make them simpler to fit together and minimize any gaps between parts.
Utility Cutter/ Edge Cutter
You may remove the veneer’s edge by using a utility cutter. If you do this by hand, you won’t obtain square edges, which is bad for adding finishing touches to woodworking projects. Alternatively, you may use an Edge Cutter, which will provide superior results because there is no chance of having those angular lines on your hands.
Edge banding Trimmer
The veneer band won’t be the same size as the plywood after it’s installed. Use an edge supply that is a little bit bigger than what you need for your project whenever possible. Use a perfect-edge trimmer tool to trim any excess material after the veneer is attached to guarantee that there are straight edges and flat surfaces on all sides of your material.
J Roller/Seam Roller
The veneer band has to be applied to the edge supply using a roller. The glue will melt when heat is applied, and you then need to roll the veneer with a roller to ensure that there are no gaps between the pieces. When gluing together other materials, such as plywood, you may also utilize wood pieces, although they won’t be as effective or efficient as using a roller.
Sanding Block
You must smooth out the region with a fine sanding block after cutting the extra edge banding. Your edges will be harder to knock down if you skip this stage.
Complete Edge Banding Procedure
Hardwood and veneer are the two types of edge banding that are offered. The procedure of hardwood edge banding involves attaching a piece of wood to the plywood’s exterior surface to provide an aesthetically beautiful finish and increase the material’s strength and durability. In this case, edges will be more durable than raw materials but may cost much more or call for people with enough skill to attach them to edgings.
Veneer edge bands entail applying thin sheets to exposed surfaces, giving them a smooth look and making them more resistant to scratches and other types of damage. Although it is the simplest and least expensive approach, hardwood edge banding offers more strength. But because it is simpler to apply correctly than other varieties, this kind of edging has gained popularity recently. I’ll go into depth below on how you can accomplish this yourself at home because of this. To become a professional edge bander, you only need a foundational understanding of the craft and some hands-on experience.
Getting Ready for Edge Banding
You must set everything up before beginning the edge banding operation. First, check to see whether the plywood is not bent; if it is, flatten it with an appropriate technique before cutting it to size with a good cutting tool. Once everything is in order, start the edge banding procedure.
Cut The Edge Banding to The Desired Width
You may not believe choosing the appropriate edge band is difficult. As it will be highly apparent after staining, which is not ideal for a professional product, it is crucial to make sure it completely covers your plywood and that there are no seams in the center.
Selecting an edge supply with a narrower width than the one on our plywood panel is the first stage in this procedure. Then take a 1-inch larger piece off of the roll since else any mid-project joint cuts would really stick out after we stain everything and damage our chances of getting it flawless!
Apply Heat With an Iron
Applying heat with a decent edge banding iron is the next step. Place the edge banding over the plywood edge after cutting it to a width that is slightly wider than needed. For about 20 seconds, apply pressure to this piece with your hand or a high-temperature clothes iron.
Just keep in mind that a clothes iron can get hot enough to melt some of these glue connections, so make sure there is no water inside before using one. To be safe, verify before taking any action. Additionally, avoid pressing too firmly because doing so might harm the surface later on after staining, which is something we also don’t want.
Peel off the edge banding last. You will need to remove it after 20 seconds, and what is left is a glued-up plywood edge with a nice-looking piece of oak or maple wood at the top, which typically well matches the color of your tabletop. Avoid heating the iron to a high temperature since doing so will cause the edge banding to burn.
Make sure your tabletop is protected below in case something goes wrong while you’re using it, such an iron falling out of place, which can happen occasionally. Also, be careful not to roll too forcefully or you can wind up creating indentations in your plywood top, which also looks bad. Naturally, if anything isn’t functioning as it should, like if any components are coming off, just apply heat again until everything is in place.
Use a Roller to Secure The Edge Supply
The final step is to use a roller to affix this edge banding. Since you just nailed it on the spot, it will be really simple. All you need to do now is roll over that piece for around 30 seconds. Just be careful because if you exert too much pressure, it can force the edge banding off, which is not ideal. After rolling, be careful to hold the tension for at least five minutes before releasing it. Otherwise, things will start to break apart, which is not enjoyable.
Remove Any Extra Edge Banding
Finally, use an edge banding trimmer of high quality to remove any extra space around the edge banding. Make cautious not to cut through your plywood because if you do, it will be completely destroyed and you’ll have to start over. So, be careful when making the final cuts to prevent yourself from doing this as well. When trimming the edges, always work with the grain.
For Smoothing The Surface, Use Sandpaper
When done, smooth up any places that might require it with a small amount of sandpaper. Alternatively, if you’d like, you may skip this step because the edge banding already has a nice-looking finish on it from another type of finish. If you’re truly concerned about the finish not being flawless or something like that, we do suggest it for the finishing touches. After completing these quick and simple processes, your plywood pieces will have a nice-looking edge banding that looks great.
Always be careful when using iron, especially when it comes to how hot it may become or how hard you press down while using them, since they can be highly deadly if used improperly. By using caution in this step as well, you may prevent overly deep cuts in the plywood. After successfully completing all three phases, the final product should look fantastic, so keep working until everything is absolutely right for the greatest results.
For clear understanding of those process, watch this video:
Frequently Asked Questions about Edge Banding Iron
1. What Kind of Edge Banding Iron Should I Use?
We employ a wide range of iron. It is critical to select the correct iron for your project. Iron on edge banding can be applied with an edge banding iron, a clothing iron, a steam iron, or a curling iron.
2. Can I Edge Band with a Regular Iron?
Yes, you can use an ordinary iron for edge banding. However you might not be able to use that iron again after that. The adhesive that is attached to the edge banding occasionally melts and adheres to the iron. If you use that iron on the cloth, it may destroy your garments.
3. What are the Benefits of Edge Banding Iron?
The edge banding iron is ideal for creating artistic and distinctive effects on the ironing board. They are highly well-liked in the market. A special edge banding iron will provide you with greater comfort and adaptability than a conventional iron.
4. What size is the edge banding iron?
The diameters of the edge banding irons vary. If you want to buy edge banding iron, you must first choose the size you want. You can make your selection based on your requirements.
5. Can I Apply Edge Banding with a Heat Gun?
Yes, if you know how to use it, you can use a heat gun for edge banding.
6. How Hot Should an Iron Be for Edge Banding?
To apply the adhesive, an iron temperature of around 380 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary.
7. What is The Lifespan of Edge Banding?
The edge banding might remain for several years depending on the adhesive used.
8. What’s the Difference Between an Edge Banding Iron and a Machine?
Edge banding irons can only melt the adhesive that is bonded to edge banding. It is simply used to secure the edge banding. The edge banding machine can do edge banding, edge trimming, and edge polishing all at the same time with no operator intervention.
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope it has helped you become a pro at edge banding and the list of top 6 best iron for edge banding has helped you to find the best edge banding iron for your task. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or thoughts.
