Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Cutting Preformed Laminate Countertop

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biking_brian
12-10-07, 05:26 PM
I will be getting preformed laminate countertops that I will install myself. I'll be able to buy them with the 45 degree cuts and miters, but I'm going to have to do the other cuts myself. What kinds of tools can I use for the cutting, and do I need to cut from the top side or the bottom side?

mitch17
12-10-07, 06:45 PM
Just the laminate or the whole countertop? Laminate cuts with a sharp utility knife, countertops with a saw.
biking_brian
12-10-07, 08:08 PM
The whole countertop - I know I will need a saw, but my concern is damaging the laminate on the surface.

Just Bill
12-11-07, 04:30 AM
Use a sharp high tooth count carbide blade and cut from the back side. Use of a straight edge for a saw guide helps give a perfect cut.
caleyg
12-11-07, 06:52 AM
I had great success using a sabre saw with a laminate blade. No chipping at all. This is the best option if you are scribing to a wall. The circular saw with a clamped on guide as described by the previous poster is better if this is a "raw edge" that will be capped with a laminate end piece.
levelman
12-15-07, 06:39 PM
I was able to make nearly perfect joint lines by cutting first with a sabre saw and then trimming with long bladed straight router cutter. You need to leave a small amount of stock for the trimming. For straight cuts, clamp a straightedge to guide the router.