Best way to cut cleanly on installed cabinets?
 

Colbyt wrote:
"Bob F" wrote in message
...
I need to cut into some kitchen cabinets to install a dishwasher. I
could use suggestions as to the best way to get a clean straight
cut, from the floor to the bottom of the counter, with minimum
chipping on the plywood edge. They are stained and varnished (years
ago), and I would like to avoid having to change that finish.

I also need to cut the bottom 3/4" ply from the front to the back.
Not so critical, but easy would be nice with the awkward access.

Tools I have: Hand saws, circular saws, router, sabre saw, sawsall,
dremel tool, HF multi-tool.


Tough job no matter what you use. Scoring will help to some degree.

Of the tools you have listed I would choose the HF multi-tool with
the 3/4 round blade, lightly score the line from top to bottom as
suggested by another poster and gradually make it deeper using the MF
tool. For the final cut at the very top you may need to use the
straight saw blade depending on the lip of the countertop. I
personally found the 3/4 round much easier to control and longer
lasting as it saved my bacon on a job I did this summer.

I was just cleaning my garage, and found a scrap of 3/4" cabinet plywood on the
floor, which inspired me to finally open the box of the HF MF tool. I tried the
3/4 round blade, and was very pleased by the clean cut it makes. I actually
think this tool might make the job easy. How long do these blades last? I
probably have 6 feet of 3/4" ply on this project to cut, and maybe the same for
another. Will I need a spare blade?

Can I use a straight length of wood as a guide for this blade to get a straight
cut? Maybe I need to try this first, unless someone here has done it.

Best way to cut cleanly on installed cabinets?
 

"Bob F" wrote:
-snip-

I was just cleaning my garage, and found a scrap of 3/4" cabinet plywood on the
floor, which inspired me to finally open the box of the HF MF tool. I tried the
3/4 round blade, and was very pleased by the clean cut it makes. I actually
think this tool might make the job easy. How long do these blades last? I
probably have 6 feet of 3/4" ply on this project to cut, and maybe the same for
another. Will I need a spare blade?

I've cut the bottom off a fiberglass door, a couple crosscuts on some
aluminum-clad 1x1 and 24' of 1" fir so far. No signs of slowing down.
Using the standard 1/2moon sawtooth blade.

Can I use a straight length of wood as a guide for this blade to get a straight
cut? Maybe I need to try this first, unless someone here has done it.

I did much better on the bottom of the door- even though I had to cut
from each side. I used a guide there. A 2x2 that the tool rested
on- took a couple shallow passes before the final cut.

The 24' of fir was a [4] rip cuts & I wasn't concerned about it but
was surprised how nice it came out. [cutting a new rough opening for a
window using the framing as a guide.]

Some folks say the HF blades are junk- seem Ok to me- but I might find
a name brand blade to compare when this one shows signs of dying.

Jim

Best way to cut cleanly on installed cabinets?
 

"Bob F" wrote in message
...
How long do these blades last? I probably have 6 feet of 3/4" ply on this
project to cut, and maybe the same for another. Will I need a spare blade?

Can I use a straight length of wood as a guide for this blade to get a
straight cut? Maybe I need to try this first, unless someone here has done
it.



I have not used a guide but I think it may be possible with the flat side of
the blade along the guide. Test on scrap pieces first. Maybe spray a little
silicone on the guide or the flat side of the blade.

My experience was that once you scored the entire cut line by about 1/16" no
guide would be necessary as the tool tends to follow the groove. That first
score line I did very slowly and carefully with a steady hand but I had the
option of using caulk for any minor glitches. I suggest you score with a
utility knife as another poster suggested whether you use a guide or not. A
lexan/laminate scorer might even be better. Test first.

Overall the tool is about 20 times easier to control than a Rotozip doing
the same job IF the RZ could even do the job. It also cut much slower.

The circle blade seems to be much higher quality than the straight blades.
I feel fairly sure you will get 6 feet of cutting from one blade. I cut at
least that much and I am not ready to buy a new one yet. Sooner or later you
will hit a nail so I would buy a spare if they are not as close to you as
they are me. For sure you should have extra straights if you use them.


--
Colbyt
Please come visit http://www.househomerepair.com

Best way to cut cleanly on installed cabinets?
 

Rip it then finish with some nice molding.