5 Best Irons for Edge Banding in 2023

Are you stuck in a cabinet project where lots of work still need to be done on edging? You don’t know which tools are best suited for doing so quickly without much trouble or pain from continuous working hours? Do you need to edge band in the corner area where your iron can’t be inserted? Then this article is what you need at this busy moment. I’ll discuss how to apply it correctly with the list of best iron for edge banding, as well as some helpful techniques that can make your project faster!

Can You Use Clothing Iron for Edge Banding?

If you’re new in this field, the first question that will arrive in your mind is, “can I use my clothing iron to do this job.” The answer is yes. You can attach the edge supply with a clothes iron but don’t ever plan on using it for cloth again. Because there’s glue attached to one side of the supplies, and when an appliance like iron heats it up, that adhesive starts melting, which then attaches itself permanently onto whatever was used as a heat source, and removing this particular glue would be difficult and could ruin your clothes.

Another big reason for not using normal cloth iron is the design. Not all designs of clothing irons are suitable to use on edge-banding projects. Some have a steam hole in the middle of their flat surface, which will ruin your project if you don’t notice it. Some are too heavy and large to work with small corners or surfaces; others may be hotter than the required temperature, making them burn up sensitive material like plywood instead of heat bonding it together.

I made a list of some of the best iron for edge banding consisting of special irons explicitly made to apply edging and clothes irons. If you want to use clothing iron, these are the models I recommend.

Types of Edge Banding Iron 

There is no such a category for types of iron, but after working 10 years with cabinet projects, I found these 4 categories helpful. This will vary from person to person though this works pretty well for me.

Edge Banding Iron

This is a special kind of iron that’s great for edge banding and sealing polybags or plastic. The best part? No drawbacks! Other types can be used, but they aren’t ideal for all tasks. This one does it all. So, I recommend getting one to accomplish your perfect edging project. Maybe not the cheapest option out there, but it also isn’t very costly either.

Large Clothing Iron

Want to attach a long piece of edge banding quickly and easily? You’ll need to use a large clothing iron. The benefit is that it will cover more area, so you won’t have to go over the same spot multiple times. It’s also heavier than your average clothes iron, which means less pushing down onto the surface for an even attachment all around! And suppose you don’t want or need any space between the edge supply and its binding adhesive. In that case, this heavy-duty tool can do some pretty amazing things on its own without needing additional tools like rollers or other flat objects underneath–you may not even find yourself using one at all!

A larger-sized clothing iron allows users to create their desired design in a shorter amount of time. One of the drawbacks you must consider when buying an iron is weight. Oversized irons are generally heavier than other types, which can be a problem for some people who have trouble lifting heavy objects while making furniture items. Another drawback to large models, in general, is that they may not fit easily into corners, where smaller ones would give users more room to maneuver around edges and curves during use.

Small clothing Iron

A small clothing iron is the opposite of a large one in many ways. It’s effortless to use for every project, but it takes longer than its larger counterpart due to being lighter weight; however, it may fit some big corners and not others depending on your needs. If you need any heat tool with more precision or smaller parts like curling irons or sealing iron.

Curling Iron

I found that cabinet workers don’t usually use a curling iron to attach edge banding, but sometimes it was helpful. When I didn’t have any sealing irons and needed to reach an area where my clothing iron couldn’t, using the curling iron helped me complete this job in no time at all. Sometimes I also used heat guns for melting glue inside of the material. These alternatives are less efficient than traditional options like sealing or clothing irons.

List of the 5 Best Iron for Edge Banding

Now I’ll discuss the best iron for edge banding. This is a list of those that work well: The ideal temperature for edge banding is 370F, and it requires a flat surface on the iron to ensure an even distribution of heat when melting glue. A curved surface can make some irregular melting which will affect your final product so keep this in mind before choosing one! After researching various irons as well as using them myself over several months, I made this list for you.

1. WoodRiver LCD Display Veneer Edge Banding Iron

Woodriver Digital LCD Iron is a new digital iron for the woodworking industry. This professional-grade iron has an easy-to-read LCD display that clearly shows the temperature setting and precise digital temperature control from 100°C – 220°C (212°F – 428°F). It features a 4′ 9″, 110V power cord and an automatic shutoff system. It will shut off after six hours, and you have zero chance of burning the banding.

It is very easy to toggle from °C to °F. If you long-press (3 seconds) the on/off button, it will change it from °F to °C and vice-versa. 

This iron isn’t ideal for large projects, but it is a must needed one. It’s smaller than most irons, so you can reach tight corners where an average-sized one wouldn’t fit. Most jobs require accessing a tough spot every now and then, which makes this tool worth having in your arsenal of tools to complete the job quickly.

Pros

• WoodRiver veneer edge banding iron has a LCD display for showing temperature.
• Easily convertible from °C to °F and vice-versa.
• It contains a large power cord (5-inch).
• Its small size allows you to reach a small corner.
• Temperature can be adjusted to more than 400F.
• This iron can be used for sealing plastic.

Cons

• Not get too hot.
• Not suitable for a large project.

2. O’skool Veneer Edge Banding and Sealing Iron

O’skool Veneer Edge Banding and Sealing Iron are designed to provide you the best convenience. It can be used for all kinds of veneers, multiple layers veneer, laminated veneer, solid wood edge banding or sealing, etc. This 110-volt corded iron has a temperature range of 100°C – 220°C(±10°F), which is displayed on the LCD screen.

It provides precise control and allows easy changes to settings with just one button press. Also, you can change between °C/ºF by holding down the ON/OFF buttons for about 3 seconds. 

The ergonomic handle design makes it easier to access tight corners while using specially-designed tips that work well in fillets, curves, and other parts of the project or objects where an even appearance might not be possible otherwise. It has a safe metal stand that allows you to place it on any surface without worrying about tipping over. The cotton sock protects your covering and the coating on your heat-sealing iron and prevents scratching and marring.

Pros

• Digital LCD display for showing temperature.
• It can be used for veneer edge banding and sealing.
• Temperature can adjust between 212°F – 428°F.
• A thin body and ergonomic handle will allow you to access tight corners.
• Cotton socks will prevent scratching and marring.

Cons

• Not suitable for a large project.

3. Rowenta DW8080 Stainless Steel Iron

This is a clothing iron but suitable for edge banding, which involves gluing narrow decorative strips to the edges of wooden panels. This model has 400 tiny steam holes, but these are not large or curved to make any problem with this job’s process.

Rowenta iron is a great product that can be used to create beautiful and professional-looking edges on your fabric. The Rowenta iron comes with 1700 watts of power, which will make it easy for you to get the job done quickly. This iron has many features that will make it easier for you to use it each day, such as an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold onto. The Rowenta iron also comes with a 7-foot cord with 360-degree moveability, so you can easily maneuver around any project without having any problem.

Rowenta’s iron comes with a 3-way automatic shut-off system after being left untouched for 8 minutes vertically, 30 seconds face down or on its side. This iron is built to last with features such as a stainless-steel soleplate, an anti-calcium system to use any water, and an auto-cleaning system.

Pros

• This powerful iron is suitable to take charge of large edge banding projects.
• Design is ideal for edge banding projects.
• A comfortable handle will provide comfort to your hand.
• A large and 360-degree movable cord makes it easy to work with.
• 3-way automatic shut-off system reduces the chance of an accident.

Cons

• It can’t reach the small corners.

4. WASING Lightweight Portable Dry Iron

I selected this particular iron because it has a very flat surface, which will be beneficial when banding with a veneer edge band. This iron also features some eye-catching benefits that help me get the perfect edge band every time without fail!

The WASING Portable dry iron is small, medium-weight, and easy to use. It can be used on all kinds of projects for pressing veneer into the edge. It has a stainless-steel soleplate with an adjustable temperature control dial that allows you to choose your desired temperature setting up to 230 degrees C (446 F). The WASING Lightweight Portable edge banding iron also features a 360-degree swivel cord, which makes it very easy to maneuver around clothing or furniture while you are using it.

It can be used to edge banding and straight-line glue joints. The cord is 6 1/2 feet long, which makes the working area more flexible. WASING Portable edge banding iron has 7.3 inches of soleplate length, making it very convenient to use. Its heating element is made of ceramic material, so it gets very hot quickly with low energy consumption. The body of this Portable edge banding iron weighs about 2 pounds which makes it heavier for faster edge banding.

Pros

• It has a very flat non-steam surface.
• Weight is just perfect for edge banding.
• 6.5-feet-long 360-degree cord for comfortable use.
• Very fast heating system.
• Comes with a 7.3 inches soleplate.
• Temperature can be up to 446F.

Cons

• It does not have an automatic shut-off system.

5. Oliso M2 Pro Mini Project Iron

Oliso M2 Pro iron heats quickly and is a must-have to take care of all delicate projects. Oliso compact design allows for easy storage. It can heat up in 45 seconds on the highest setting, making this product great when you need quick results urgently. The 180° pivot cord gives flexibility allowing both right or left-handed use while also having an 8-foot-long power cable that reaches around corners well enough even with its small size compared to other irons out there like Oliso’s larger version. 

It maintains a constant temperature throughout all over the flat surface. The Sole mate feature allows you to leave the unit face down without worrying about burning your tabletop! This small iron is lighter, so you will have no hand pain while doing projects like edge banding. It also has a thin sharp corner that lets it access corners easily.

Pros 

• The Oliso M2 Pro is lightweight and compact.
• It heats up in 45 seconds on the highest setting, making it a must-have for those with time constraints.
• You can take on any project with confidence.
• 8-foot-long power cable
• It maintains a constant temperature throughout all over the flat surface

Cons

• None

Buying Guide for Edge Banding Iron

So how do you choose the right edge banding iron? Well, there are a few things to consider first:

These five best irons for edge banding will not work equally well on every project. You should select your equipment based on your application’s needs and preferences. So, let’s go over some of the main points in choosing an appropriate machine for a specific job site.

Project Type

If you are making a cabinet, then there might be some small areas that need edge banding. If the area is too small for your large iron to fit into it, don’t worry because I have two smaller irons: WoodRiver and O’skool. However, these two models aren’t suitable for larger projects as they won’t provide adequate results with their size; besides being unable to reach such places on big pieces of furniture (O’Skool).

Know More: Learn How to Prevent Plywood From Warping | Tips and Tricks

However, when considering purchasing this product, whether or not there will ever be a need for large tools in close quarters later down the road? If yes, then perhaps buying both small and large models might still make sense. But if you are not going to do a lot of projects, then buy one of them and start your project.

Project size

For a smaller and more versatile job, such as edge banding, woodriver or O’SKOOL are better because they’re made for this purpose. For larger projects, Rowenta, WASING, Oliso will give you the best results. However, all of these irons have been tested to be used in large project settings, so it’s really down to preference!

If you have a large shop with lot’s of project in your hand then may be an iron will not be the best option for you. So should consider a professional edge bander that will fulfill your requirement.

Know More: What Size Screw for 3/4 Plywood and What Type of Screw do I Need?

Surface

When doing edge banding, it is important to use a flat surface. The products listed above all have flat and uncurved surfaces that do not cause any issues with the project. Some of them even contain holes in their surface, but these are small enough to be ignored during work on your product.

Budget

A great product does not have to be expensive. All of these products are very affordably priced. If you have a tight budget, it makes the most sense to go with Wasing – in all other cases, choose what works best for your needs!

Know More: Best Edge Banding Machine in 2021

Other Helping Tools for Perfect Edge Banding

I will now mention some helpful tools that are useful and ensure the quality of your edge banding project.

Utility Cutter/ Edge Cutter

You can use a utility cutter to cut off the edge of your veneer. You will not get square edges if you do this by hand, which isn’t great for finishing touches on woodworking projects. You could also try an Edge Cutter instead; it will give better results because there’s no risk of getting those jagged lines from your hands!

Scissor

You need a sharp scissor for cutting the piece of edge banding from the large roll. Scissors will produce square edges with no jagged or uneven sides, making them easier to fit together and minimizing any gaps between pieces.

J Roller/Seam Roller

A roller is needed for attaching the veneer band to the edge supply. After applying heat, the glue will be melted, and you need to roll the veneer with a roller so that it sticks without any gaps. You can also use wood pieces, but they will not be as effective or efficient as using a roller in this case of gluing together different materials such as plywood.

Edge banding Trimmer

When installing a veneer band, it will not be the same size as the plywood. It would be best always to use an edge supply that is slightly larger than what you need for your project. After attaching the veneer, trim any extra area using a perfect-edge trimmer tool to ensure clean lines and smooth surfaces on all sides of your material.

Sanding Block

After trimming the excess edge banding, you must use a fine sanding block to make the area smoother. Without this step, your edges will be that much more challenging to tear down.

Full Process of Edge Banding

There are two types of edge banding available: hardwood and veneer. Hardwood edge banding is the process of attaching a piece of wood to plywood’s outermost surface, creating an aesthetically pleasing finish while also making it stronger and more durable. In this type, edges will be harder than raw material but may cost significantly higher or require sufficient experience from workers before applying them on edgings. 

Veneer edge bands involve adhering thin sheets onto exterior surfaces so that they’re smooth in appearance as well as sturdier against damage such as scratches. This is the easiest and cheap method, but it isn’t as strong as hardwood edge banding. However, this type of edging has become more popular nowadays than other types because it requires less work to apply correctly. That’s why I’ll go into detail about how you can do this yourself at home!

You just need basic knowledge and some practice to become a professional edge bander – Now, I’ll discuss the whole process of edge banding.

Preparation for Edge Banding

Before starting the edge banding process, you must prepare everything. At first, make sure the piece of plywood isn’t warped; if it is warping, flatten using a suitable method, then cut to size with a quality cutting tool. After making everything right, begin the edge banding process!

Know More: 9 Best Tools For Cutting Plywood in 2021

Cut the edge banding to the desired width.

Selecting the right edge band isn’t as simple as you think. It’s important to make sure it covers your plywood entirely and that there are no joints in its middle because they will be very visible after staining, which is not ideal for a professional product.

The first step of this process is choosing an edge supply slightly wider width than the one on our plywood panel. Then cut out a 1-inch longer piece from the roll, or else any joint cuts made mid-way through could really stand out once we stain everything and ruin all chances of achieving perfection!

Apply heat with an iron

The next step is applying heat with a good edge banding iron. After cutting the edge banding to a slightly larger than the desired width, place it over the plywood edge and use your hand or clothes iron at high temperature to apply pressure on this piece for about 20 seconds.

Just remember that if you are using a clothes iron, make sure there’s no water inside because it can get hot enough to melt some of these kinds of glue joints. So, check before doing anything just to be safe. Also, don’t press too hard as well because too much force may cause damage later on after staining, which we don’t want either.

Lastly, peel off the edge banding. After 20 seconds, you will need to take it off and what’s left is a glued-up plywood edge with a nice-looking piece of oak or maple wood at the top which usually matches your tabletop in color nicely. Don’t make the iron too hot otherwise, it will burn the edge banding, which is not good.

Make sure your tabletop has some kind of protection under it if something goes wrong, like an iron slipping out of position, which can happen once in and while using them. Also, make sure not to press too hard either as well when rolling, or else you might end up leaving indentions into your plywood top, which looks awful also! Of course, if anything isn’t working correctly, such as any pieces falling off, simply re-apply heat again until everything is secure.

Use Roller for Attaching Edge Supply

The third step is to attach this edge banding with a roller. It will be really easy because you nailed it on there in the first place and all you have left to do is roll over that piece for about 30 seconds or so. If you apply too much pressure, it might force the edge banding off, which is not good so just be careful. After rolling, make sure to keep everything under tension for at least five minutes before letting go, or else it will all start falling apart, and that’s no fun!

Trim the Extra edge banding Area

Lastly, trim any excess area around the edge banding with a good quality edge banding trimmer. Make sure not to cut through your piece of plywood because that will really ruin it for good, and you’ll have to start all over again! So, keep yourself from doing this as well by being careful when making the final cuts. Always go along the grain when trimming the edges.

Know More: Best Edge Banding Trimmer and Veneer Edge Trimmer in 2021

Use Sandpaper for Smoothing the Surface

When finished, use a little bit of sandpaper to smooth out any areas that may need it. You can also choose not to do this step if you’d like because the edge banding has its own type of finish on there already, which looks pretty good. We do recommend it for finishing touches if you’re really worried about the finish not coming out perfect or something like that. After following these quick and easy steps, you will have a nice-looking edge banding on your plywood pieces which looks really good.

Remember to use caution when doing anything with iron, especially regarding how hot it can get or how hard you press down while using them because they are very dangerous if used incorrectly! Also, make sure not to cut through the piece of plywood too much by being careful during this step also as well. The end result should look great after completing all three steps successfully, so keep working until everything is just right for the best results possible.

Frequently Asked Questions Answered

1. What is the Advantage of Edge Banding Iron?

Edge banding iron is a good choice for making decorative and special effects on the ironing board. They are very popular in the market. Special edge banding iron will give you more comfort and versatility over a regular iron.

2. What Kind of Iron Do You Use for Edge Banding?

We use a wide variety of iron. It is crucial to choose the right iron for your project. You can use an edge banding iron, clothing iron, steam iron, and curling iron to apply iron-on edge banding.

3. Can I Use a Regular Iron for Edge Banding?

Yes, you can use a regular iron for edge banding, but you may not be able to use that iron for regular work after that. Sometimes the glue that is attached to the edge banding melts and attaches to the iron. So if you want to use that iron on the cloth, it might ruin your clothes.

4. How Hot Should Iron be for Edge Banding?

Generally, an iron temperature of about 380 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit is required to apply the glue.

5. Can I Use a Heat Gun for Edge Banding?

Yes, you can use a heat gun for edge banding if you know how to use it.

6. What is the Size of Edge Banding Iron?

The edge banding iron sizes are different. If you want to buy edge banding iron, you need to know the size you want. You can choose according to your needs.

7. What is the Difference Between Edge Banding Iron and Edge Banding Machine?

Edge banding iron is the iron that can only melt the glue attached to edge banding. It is only used for attaching the edge banding. The edge banding machine can make edge banding, edge trimming, edge polishing everything simultaneously without any manual action.

8. How Long Does Edge Banding Last?

Depending on the glue used, the edge banding can last a few years.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this article. I hope it has helped to make you a pro in edge banding and that the list of best edge banding iron will provide iron for your job. Please don’t hesitate to comment with any questions or thoughts!

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