A method and apparatus for post forming laminate tops. A top substrate and its overhanging laminate are mounted on a pivotable supporting table. When the table is in a first position, the overhanging laminate is adjacent a heater of generally C-shaped cross section. The heater can be pivoted into a position embracing the overhanging portion of the laminate. The laminate is very rapidly heated to a temperature of approximately 335.degree. to 365.degree.F., preferably within a period of about from 12 to 16 seconds. The ambient heater temperature is roughly from 550.degree. to 750.degree.F. As soon as the laminate has been heated, the heater pivots out of position. The table pivots upwardly, thereby wiping the overhanging laminate past the bottom edge of a former. The former then moves forwardly and, due to a generally C-shaped cross section, firmly clamps the overhanging laminate around the periphery of the substrate. After cooling, the former is retracted and the post formed top can be removed.