cutting kitchen end panels

[nabby68]

im about to cut my end panels for my cabinets and base units but was wondering what is best to use ie jigsaw or circular saw. I have tried a couple of cuts using jigsaw with the face down and although they are ok it seems that the blade on the jigsaw blunts really quickly and im on my third one already!
The blade i got was a Bosch blade which was for cutting chipborad and laminates. The end panels are in a red gloss.

 

[gregers]

i always use a hand saw,but thats me,old fashioned

 

[nabby68]

thanks gregers but i dont think my hand would be as steady as yours

so im thinking of something more mechanical

 

[joinerjohn]

You can cut them face down with a circular saw. Get a new blade for it with as many teeth per inch as you can get. Use a straight edge for the saw to follow. Set the depth of the saw to 5-8mm deeper than the end panel and take your time.

 

[nabby68]

[/quote]You can cut them face down with a circular saw. Get a new blade for it with as many teeth per inch as you can get. Use a straight edge for the saw to follow. Set the depth of the saw to 5-8mm deeper than the end panel and take your time.

what would you advise to trim a couple of mill off any that are a bit long. Ihave tried using a power plane but it did splinter the edges a little.

 

[Master of None]

I used a router to take off the last couple of mm on mine.

 

[r896neo]

As you found out a plane will mangle them, unless it has a super sharp blade and you use an end stop to prevent breakout.

A router is best but not in everyones shed.

 

[seneca]

what kind or router blade? I see there's somethng called a laminate trimmer

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/74505/Blades/Router-Cutters/Erbauer/Erbauer-Pro-Flush-Trim-Bit-1-4

will it do the job? any tips on using it?

 

[chippie244]

You will need to run the bearing against a straight edge and have a block at the end to stop breakout.