On Sat, 17 Feb 2007 19:45:05 GMT, Al Tsiemers
wrote:

I need to cut a prefabbed 6 ft. post-formed laminate countertop with
integral backsplash down to 5 ft.

What tool and techniques will result in least chipping of the laminate and
give the straightest edge?

I made an L shaped saw guide out of two pieces of 1x4 and clamped it
to the bottom and back of the backsplash (opposite side from the
laminate).

Then I used a portable circular saw with a 40 tooth carbide blade to
first cut the backsplash (running the edge of the saw base against the
guide) and then the main part.

I first cut it 1/8 oversize and then moved the guide and trimmed the
1/8. Came out nice and clean.

Cutting it a little oversize allows you to get the hang of it and also
eliminates the pull of the big offcut when you are doing the final
cut. Make sure you support the offcut on the first pass so its weight
doesn't tear out a chunk at the end.

HTH,

Paul F.