Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - cutting solid surface

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homerlp
02-01-08, 11:43 AM
I just purchased a Pegasus, solid surface vanity top from Home Depot. The top butts up to a tall linen cabinet and the back splash and side splash require some trimming. I have to trim about an 1/8 of an inch off the right edge of the backsplash and I have to cut about a 1/2 inch off the length of the sidesplash. Not sure what to cut it with. I called the company that makes these tops for Home Depot and they were really no help. I was told that it is an acyrilic resin product and they suggested cutting it with a wet saw. That may work for cutting the sidesplash but I don't know how I would get this entire top (with undermounted sink) on a wet saw. Can you suggest an alternative?


chandler
02-01-08, 01:14 PM
Is the sidesplash already attached? If not, you could cut it independently on a wet saw. For 1/8" you may want to consider using a belt sander with a fine grit belt. Cutting that small amount (since your blade is only 1/8" thick) would be tricky.

CNTRTOP
02-01-08, 02:26 PM
You don't need a wet saw to cut solid surface. You can cut the endsplash to length with a miter saw equipped with a sharp carbide saw blade. Same with the backsplash if it's loose. If it's integral with the top mark it using a combination square and pencil if it's light color or a carbide scribe if it's dark, then use a belt sander judiciously to remove what's not needed. Be careful with the belt sander and use a coarse belt to avoid generating a lot of heat, because that can cause cracks to start. If the backsplash is integral with the top you will most likely have to remove some of the top if you're scribing to the cabinet end. Good luck


Just Bill
02-02-08, 05:15 AM
The best way to cut solid surface is with a router. Leaves a smooth cut with little touching up needed. But going around horizontal/verticle corners will be tough as with any tool.