I´v done loads of this on fishing boats and yachts only ever done one side had no problems with it.if you`ve got aprons on the table that should hold the ply flat. This how I would do it first of you need space, lay the formica face up on a flat solid surface, place the finished ply on top of the formica draw with a pencil around the ply onto the formica giving your self a couple of mili around the ply. Cut the formica with a formica cutter and a straightedge the cutter looks like a bent nail with a carbide tip on it
Now mark the ply and formica with reference marks IE left, right,top. bottom any mark you think you need on them so they go back in the same position.clean both faces of the ply and formica where they will come into contact one small spec will cause the formica to crack on its face.
I use contact adhesive spread it on both surfaces and wait till it is almost dry then look closely at it some times you get little bubbles in the glue take the spatchelar and scratch both surfaces all over don't leave one bubble it will cause the formica to crack.
As already said place stickers on the ply and then place the formica on top watching your marks all the time. position the formica so you will have the one or two mili cover all round. I use a cork block and start in the middle pressing down and away from me and then to me move just a bit in one direction pressing down awy and to me all the time what your looking for is to avoid trapping air between the two surfaces if you do trap air or you think the two are not sticking right in one place get a small piece of wood about 12" long place it on the spot and give it a health wack with a hammer and the shock will usually stick them to gether.
Trim the formica with a block plane working in from the corners never out if you do you will chip the corners right off.
When you do the edge leave the formica just proud top and bottob and clean up with a block plane and a fine file.
just take your time dont get rushed and think it out its very easy really. have fun.
