laminate is sealed to the counter top surface, trim the edges by using either a router with a special guide or a small, block plane. If you want to bevel the countertop edge, use a mill file. ADHESIVES Seabees use many different types of adhesives in various  phases  of  their  construction  projects.  Glues (which have a plastic base) and mastics (which have an asphalt,   rubber,   or   resin   base)   are   the   two   major categories  of  adhesives. The  method  of  applying  adhesives,  their  drying time,  and  their  bonding  characteristics  vary.  Some adhesives are more resistant to moisture and to hot and cold  temperatures  than  others. SAFETY NOTE: Some adhesives are highly flammable;  they  should  be  used  only  in  a well-ventilated  work  area.  Others  are  highly irritating   to   the   skin   and   eyes.   ALWAYS FOLLOW  MANUFACTURER’S  INSTRUC- TIONS WHEN USING ADHESIVES. Glues The  primary  function  of  glue  is  to  hold  together joints in millwork and cabinetwork. Most modern glues have a plastic base. Glues are sold as a powder to which water must be added or in liquid form. Many types of glue   are   available   under   brand   names.   A   brief description of some of the more popular types of glue is listed below. Polyvinyl resin, or white glue, is a liquid that comes in ready-to-use plastic containers. It does a good job of bonding wood together, and it sets up (dries) quickly after   being   applied.   Because   white   glue   is   not waterproof, it should not be used on work that will be subjected  to  constant  moisture  or  high  humidity. Aliphatic  resin,  or  yellow  carpenter’s  glue,  is  a liquid  that  comes  in  ready-to-use  plastic  containers. Yellow glue is somewhat stronger than white glue and is  more  resistant  to  moisture,  lacquers,  and  solvents. Urea resin is a plastic-based glue that is sold in a powder form. The required amount is mixed with water when the glue is needed. Urea resin makes an excellent bond for wood and has fair water resistance. Phenolic   resin  glue   is   highly   resistant   to temperature  extremes  and  water.  It  is  often  used  for bonding  the  veneer  layers  of  exterior  grade  plywood. Resorcinol glue has excellent water resistance and temperature resistance, and it makes a very strong bond. Resorcinol  resin  is  often  used  for  bonding  the  wood layers  of  laminated  timbers. Contact cement  is used to bond plastic laminates to wood surfaces. This glue has a neoprene rubber base. Because contact cement bonds very rapidly, it is useful for  joining  parts  that  cannot  be  clamped  together. Mastics Mastics   are   widely   used   throughout   the construction industry. The asphalt, rubber, or resin base of mastics gives them a thicker consistency. Mastics are sold   in   cans,   tubes,   or   canisters   that   fit   into hand-operated  or  air-operated  caulking  guns. These  adhesives  can  be  used  to  bond  materials directly to masonry or concrete walls. If furring strips are required on a wavy concrete wall, the strips can be applied with mastic, rather than by the more difficult procedure  of  driving  in  concrete  nails.  You  can  also fasten  insulation  materials  to  masonry  and  concrete walls with a mastic adhesive. Mastics can also be used to  bond  drywall  (gypsum  board)  directly  to  wall  studs. They can also be used to bond gypsum board to furring strips or directly to concrete or masonry walls. Because you don’t use nails, there are no nail indentations to fill. By using mastic adhesives, you can apply paneling with  very  few  or  no  nails  at  all.  Wall  panels  can  be bonded  to  studs,  furring  strips,  or  directly  against concrete  or  masonry  walls.  Mastic  adhesives  can  be used with nails or staples to fasten ply-wood panels to floor   joists.   The   mastic   adhesive   helps   eliminate squeaks, bounce, and nail popping. It also increases the stiffness and strength of the floor unit. 5-20