What is a good way to cut a laminated countertop? What type of blade
should we use? We need to cut the length, a small corner out for pipes,
and the sink hole. We presently have a circular saw, a jig saw, and a
sawsall for cutting with. Thanks.

Mike D.

The best way is using a router with a guide and a side cutting bit at
high speed to minimize chipping of the laminate.

If you are going to use a jig saw, use a fine tooth blade for the same
reason. For the sink cutout, first drill at the corners with a bit that
matches the radius of the corner, then cut the straight runs. For the
notches, just go slow to get a truly good edge.

Use masking or painters tape (2" min.) on the good side of the cuts to
protect the finish and prevent scratches and marring of the laminate.

I wouldn't use a sawsall or circular saw, too much chipping and danger
of damage.

jigsaws normally cut on the upstroke so cutting the counter top from
the bottom side is the best way to go. When you are cutting the
opening for the sink drill the corners as suggested and make sure you
support the piece to be cutout or it can split the laminate. I usually
cut two opposite sides then screw a long board across so when I finish
the cut the piece won't fall. You should also use masking tape to help
protect the laminate from chipping.

RayV wrote:
jigsaws normally cut on the upstroke so cutting the counter top from
the bottom side is the best way to go.

Or you can buy jigsaw blades that cut on the downstroke, that are
spefically made for laminated benchtops.
I was a bit nervous about using these at first, thinking it'd tend to
push off and be hard to control. But there were no dramas at all, and I
got a nice cut.

I've never seen a jig saw blade with the teeth that cut on the upstroke.

--
Steve Barker


"RayV" wrote in message
oups.com...
jigsaws normally cut on the upstroke so cutting the counter top from
the bottom side is the best way to go. When you are cutting the
opening for the sink drill the corners as suggested and make sure you
support the piece to be cutout or it can split the laminate. I usually
cut two opposite sides then screw a long board across so when I finish
the cut the piece won't fall. You should also use masking tape to help
protect the laminate from chipping.

I just used my regular ol' jigsaw blade and put masking tape where ever
there was a cut. No muss, no fuss. No chipping.

--
Steve Barker



"Mike Dobony" wrote in message
...
What is a good way to cut a laminated countertop? What type of blade
should we use? We need to cut the length, a small corner out for pipes,
and the sink hole. We presently have a circular saw, a jig saw, and a
sawsall for cutting with. Thanks.

Mike D.

Steve Barker LT wrote:
I've never seen a jig saw blade with the teeth that cut on the upstroke.

--
Steve Barker


You are correct if you are referring to a manual. For electric, I've
never seen one that didn't.

Harry K

snip