Cutting a laminate countertop - Page 1

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cutting a laminate countertop

Posted: 9/21/2016 4:38:39 PM EDT

I have to shorten a laminate countertop by several inches. The kind with the pre-molded lip and backsplash, and while it is not fastened down to the cabinetry, it needs to be done on site in my office breakroom.

What is the best way to minimize chipping at the cut? I have pretty much every hand power tool, and can use anything from a circular saw to a jigsaw. I was thinking to use a very shallow cut with a diamond blade to score through the laminate, and then follow through with the jigsaw. I think the major problem area will be the curve where the top meets the backspash. Any ideas? Or is there some actual method for this that I am unaware of?

Posted: 9/21/2016 5:56:18 PM EDT

[#1]

Put a piece of masking tape over the line where you plan to cut on the laminate side. Run the tape the length of the cut. Use wide tape. Flip the countertop over and cut it from the underside with a circular saw with a sharp carbide blade. I've done a number of countertops this way and they came out good.

Posted: 9/21/2016 6:00:57 PM EDT

[#2]

What Colts said will work.

To be extra careful, score the cutting w/ a sharp utility blade.

To be extra extra careful, clamp a sacrificial board (pine trim) to the finished surface, before cutting. Will aid in blowout.

Posted: 9/21/2016 6:56:25 PM EDT

[#3]

I put masking tape on the laminate side and ran it over my table saw, laminate side up.

Posted: 9/21/2016 8:20:46 PM EDT

[#4]

Thanks guys, I'll do it from the back and tape the laminate side. I appreciate the advice.

Posted: 9/22/2016 12:49:20 PM EDT

[#5]

Worked awesomely well, thanks.

I used a 5 1/2 inch 100 tooth brand new plywood blade, taped the laminate, and cut on the back.

My cut is nicer than the factory cut edge at the other end, lol.

Perfect.

Posted: 9/22/2016 5:41:11 PM EDT

[#6]

Nice job!

Posted: 9/22/2016 10:39:10 PM EDT

[#7]

Good job! I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Heh

Don't forget the iron-on trim piece for the end. You will need a Roto-Zip and the special cutter for fitting it.

Posted: 9/23/2016 8:02:13 PM EDT

[#8]

Downcut fine tooth jigsaw blade.

ETA, nice job.

Posted: 9/23/2016 9:53:49 PM EDT

[#9]

Ends are between the wall and a fridge, no trim needed.
And although I have a roto zip, I hate that thing. First time I ever used it I tried to do an outlet box cut without practicing and it was to the next stud over before I blinked.

And I had no idea there was such a thing as a down cut jigsaw blade. Must buy and check it out, thanks.

Posted: 9/23/2016 11:10:02 PM EDT

[#10]

Now seal that cut edge before some schmuck spills a big glass of water and it swells up like a sponge.

Nice job.

Posted: 9/24/2016 1:46:43 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Now seal that cut edge before some schmuck spills a big glass of water and it swells up like a sponge.

Nice job.

View Quote

He thinks "mostly won't show" means "no need to properly finish."

Posted: 9/24/2016 9:24:27 AM EDT

[#12]

Ouch.

OK, I'll finish the edges.
I have clear poly, that should seal it well.

You guys are right. The details you don't see are as Important as the ones you do. I should know better. It's a huge part of the way I operate. Literally.

Posted: 9/24/2016 12:30:16 PM EDT

[#13]

If you want to do it right buy the iron-on piece that matches the counter. The edge will show more than you think and they are only seven bucks each. Make sure you get the proper left and right pieces. They are easy to install and trim to size but you do need the Roto-Zip bit with the guide bearing. It prevents mistakes.

Posted: 9/26/2016 4:59:25 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
Ouch.

OK, I'll finish the edges.
I have clear poly, that should seal it well.

You guys are right. The details you don't see are as Important as the ones you do. I should know better. It's a huge part of the way I operate. Literally.

View Quote

Sooner or later water is going to run down the cut edge.

Sooner if you do not cover it.

Even from regular cleaning.

It will swell and blow off the laminate.

Murphy was an optimist.

Posted: 10/3/2016 2:38:27 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
Good job! I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Heh

Don't forget the iron-on trim piece for the end. You will need a Roto-Zip and the special cutter for fitting it.

View Quote

You can also use a biscuit joiner and put a piece of oak trim along the edge.

Posted: 10/4/2016 5:09:36 PM EDT

[#16]

Good job OP.

A lot of chipping occurs from less than perfectly straight cuts.

The blade moves enough in the kerf to drag on the laminate.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Cutting a laminate countertop

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