For about four bucks at HD you can buy an HPL scoring knife.

Using that knife, score the laminate on the TOP (i.e. the show side), using
reasonable pressure, guided by a straightedge of some sort (I have found
that applying my body weight to "clamp" a straight board to the laminate
laying on the floor works well).

Then bend the waste side of the scored laminate toward you. This will take
some effort, but it will eventually snap the off the waste piece with a
bang. You will be surprised at how nice a "cut" you get.

/rick.


"Dick Snyder" wrote in message
...
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