Dick Snyder wrote:

I am making Norm's Router Station.(
http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct3.cgi?813). The top has high pressure
laminate (like melamine) bonded to it. The dimensions of the top are such
that I would have had to buy a 4' x 8' sheet to have a single piece to bond
to the top so instead I got two pieces 2' x 4'. I need to cut both sheets
and here is my question.

I have searched the web and there seem to be two general approaches to
cutting this stuff. One is to score it deeply on the back and then cut it
with a jig saw maybe using masking tape to minimize the chip out. The second
approach seems to be to do it with a table saw taking care to prevent the
melamine from slipping under the fence (see
http://www.cabinetmaking.com/laminate.htm). I'd like some input from the
readers on this group as to the way that has worked best for you.

TIA.

Dick Snyder

Caveat: use a 40T or better saw blade

Another method that works seems a little weird but does the same
thing as a scoring blade on a higher end tables saw. Set your saw
blade a little over 1/32nd of an inch above the table top. Feed the
material from the back towards the front of the saw table, making
a very light scoring cut through the top kayer of the melamine/
high pressure laminate. Turn off the saw, raise the blade to your
cutting height and feed the stock to the blade from the front
like normal.

charlie b