Carpentry and Woodworking - cutting a laminate countertop

We have a 10ft countertop that will need to cut to 8 1/2ft. I was not sure what was needed to cut this end off. We were thinking a skill saw with a fine tip blade.
Any suggestions.

Jim :D

The countertops that I have cut, I have turned the countertop over so as to cut on the back side, which will make the teeth of the skilsaw blade come up through the laminate which is the key to keeping it from chipping. I clamp a guide to the countertop so that the cut is perfectly straight- wiggling your saw the slightest isn't a good idea when cutting laminate. I also cut 1/16" away from my line so that I can finish the edge with a belt sander to take out any micro-chips along the cut edge.

If the cut end is going against a wall, check the wall for square first, because if you're going to cut it, you might as well cut it to match the wall. (in case the wall is 1/4" out of square or something).

Cut from underside, with clamped guide. :thumbup:

Also, creep up on the final cut. This way you only damage scrap if things aren't right, and, finally, the blade runs better when it's just shaving an edge off.

Cut from the bottom like everyone else said. Use a circular saw with a plywood blade, not just a rip cut blade. The more teeth, the better cut you will have.

Guys, thanks for the help.
I was sure we needed to use a fine tooth blade but did not know I should cut from the bottom.

Thanks again.
Jim

Just installed the conutertop today. I followed the recommendations and it turned out perfect.

Thanks for the help.

Big Blue Jim :D