Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Cutting preformed counter top

Hi,
Im replacing the countertop in my moms kitchen with a preformed top from one of the box stores. Its the kind that already has the laminate and backsplash on it. The pieces are a little too long for what I need and have to cut them. How can I safely do this without chipping or breaking the laminate and also with the backsplash already attached is there a trick to getting it cut?

Thanks in Advance, Luc

Place the counter top with the top side down on a firm support. Make sure both pieces are supported when the cut is made. Use a circular saw with a very fine blade. Mark your cut on the bottom side and on the back side of the backsplash. Use a straight edge clamped to the counter top as a saw guide to make the cut. Saw the surface part first and finish the cut by cutting the backsplash. By cutting from the underside, the saw blade will be cutting toward the finished surface, and will reduce chipping. Good luck.

Thanks for the help. I have a 100 tooth blade, should this be ok to use for making the cuts?

Yes, Wire Puller Has It All Correct. Except I Also Wood Put Some Kind Of Masking Tape On The Formica Side For Added Protection. Goodluck

Well you could use a circular saw or a jig saw. I prefer the jig saw with a laminate blade. Even with the blade you should, lay some masking tape down where you plan to cut. Then draw your cut line on the tape. Now I'll be honest, I can't remember if it is better to cut from the back or top side. Been a while since I cut one. But try it on a sample. One side will cut much better than the other. Your laminate blade may say. Anyway, get your timing and speed down when you practice your cut. Make sure the jig saw remains pressed against the surface and doesn't jump up and down or your cut will suffer. It's not hard to do. If your some reason you have a chip it can be smoothed with a file or sander. But practice first and buy the end caps. They are worth the ectra money and are an easy way to finish off the ends.