Laminate Worktops

[Andy2406]

Good evening all,

We have just purchased our first laminate worktops for the kitchen and were wondering what is the best way to cut it:

Jigsaw with a downstroke blade
hand saw
or a circular saw

Please help as I have wasted two pieces against chipped surface.

Many thanks

Andy

 

[Scrit]

Hi Andy

1. Initial sizing cuts - circular saw running against a straight edge, brand new/resharpened fine-tooth TCT blade (e.g. 190mm blade with 40+ teeth, like these), cut made from the front face to the rear and sawn with the laminate surface facing downwards

For cut-outs use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade, again brand new, pre-drill the corners from the laminate side then turn the worktop over and join-up the holes using the jigsaw. For best results turn off the orbit (if the saw has one) and work slowly. You can buty blades which saw on the downcut, but they have a tendency to bend or flex in cut on 38mm worktops, especially if you are using a DIY jigsaw

2. For butt and scribe joints (the so-called mason's mitre joint) - 1/2in plunge router with 30mm guide bush and at least 1600 watts of power, brand new TCT 1/2in shank cutter, 1/2in diameter x 50mm deep, worktop template and pair of quick-release cramps. Once again all cuts so that you start the cut from the front edge and work towards the rear to avoid chipping

Scrit

 

[JohnD]

Circular saw. With the "good" side down. Adjust the saw so it only projects a tiny amount through the board. Use a TCT or similar blade as the glue and laminate will blunt a plain saw. Support it adequately so the saw does not cut into the floor or bench, and the two halves of the worktop do not flop apart as you go through. Start on the "curved" front edge and finish on the "square" back edge. You are more likely to let the saw wobble at the end of your cut.

edit: Too slow!

 

[Scrit]

edit: Too slow!

Try four fingers, not two

 

[Andy2406]

Thanks for the information,

I will now be able to cut worktops with out popping back to B&Q to purchase another worktop before OH notices

Thanks

Andy