Greg O wrote:

: "Tim" wrote in message
: ...
:I purchased some preformed countertops from Home Depot and would like
: to know the best way to cut them without chipping, They are too long
: to put on the table saw. I need to cut the backsplash and the top.
:
: Thanks,
:
: Tim

: I cut them upside down, use a straightedge, skill saw with a fine tooth
: blade, with the blade extended all the way so it cuts most of the way "up"
: the back splash. Doing it this way I need to set up twice to clamp the
: straight edge for the final cut on the back splash. I have done several
: counter tops this way and have had good results, no shipping of the Formica.
: I have never cut a 45 degree this way, just trimming to length.
: Greg

I did the exact same thing. Cutting upward so the teeth of the blade press the laminate into
the substrate, instead of pulling it off, is key.
I used one of those straightedge clamps, and it worked great.

-- Andy Barss