Need to cut/saw worktop into two pieces

[spiidey]

We have a worktop in the Utility Room of our house. We'd like to do away with part of the worktop which currently has a washing machine underneath, to allow a 1.80m fridge/freezer to be put into the space (the washing machine would be moved to an alternative location).

See the following pictures:-

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/img0692wj.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/3/img0693ej.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/img0694c.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/839/img0695xd.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/803/img0696s.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/263/img0697k.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/638/img0698o.jpg/
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/135/img0699bz.jpg/

So what we're looking to do is saw/cut off the worktop from the left of the cupboard at the bottom and to the wall at the very left of the pictures (i.e. where the washing machine is right now).

How difficult would this be to do with a standard electric saw?
Any advice?
Or should we just pay a family joiner friend to do it (not sure what cost would be as would rather know whether I can do it myself first before asking)?

 

[foxhole]

Could be done with a hand saw, what's a standard electric saw? jigsaw, circular saw, Reciprocating Saw? etc

 

[leeco]

I have done this today while redesigning a kitchen. It could be done with a hand saw and I tryed that 1st but ended up getting the jigsaw out and finish it off with the handsaw. Than fix a worktop metal end strip to it to finish it off.

 

[spiidey]

How far did you get with the handsaw?

 

[leeco]

Not far but my handsaw isn't the best I think I need to get a new one. I would do it with the handsaw as you should get a nice straight cut but make sure its not blunt like mine.

 

[joinerjohn]

Spiidey, your inset sink looks rather close to where you want to lose the worktop. Unless you can redesign the kitchen so the sink is moved further away, I wouldn't bother.

 

[spiidey]

joinerjohn - I'm not sure I understand what you mean - I intend cutting about 3 inches to the left of the sink, effectively right at the edge of where the cupboard underneath the sink stops.

Why would the sink cause a problem (might be something I've overlooked?)? Is it something to do with water spillage if I'm putting the fridge there??

 

[joinerjohn]

You'll have to make sure you seal the cut edge of the worktop with something to prevent water ingress, which could cause the worktop to blow. You definitely need to seal the edge to prevent this as laminate worktops don't like water very much, if at all.

 

[spiidey]

What should I use to seal the edge of the worktop?

 

[leeco]

What should I use to seal the edge of the worktop?

You can buy the steel ends from most big sheds like B&Q. Just ask for "you know them metel strips that go on the end of worktops"

 

[spiidey]

What adhesive should I use to attach it?

Do I have to put a sealant around it as well?

 

[vindaloo]

I'd consider an upstand or splash-shield as otherwise, your F/F is going to get very wet if that sink is in regular use.

J.

 

[spiidey]

I'd consider an upstand or splash-shield as otherwise, your F/F is going to get very wet if that sink is in regular use.

J.

Could you give me an example (e.g. web link) of what you mean?

 

[leeco]

I'd consider an upstand or splash-shield as otherwise, your F/F is going to get very wet if that sink is in regular use.

J.

Could you give me an example (e.g. web link) of what you mean?

http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgu...&ndsp=22&ved=1t:429,r:19,s:0&biw=1341&bih=542

 

[spiidey]

Thanks for the reply

So would that include a seal where it joins at the bottom of the upstand, to the top/edge of the worktop? Or would I have to buy the sealant separately (and if so, what kind of sealant)?