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Because a circular saw can produce jagged edges and chip the laminate, your best bet is to lay the laminate face-side down and cut from the back to the front. Mark off the line you want to cut using masking tape, and make sure to leave a bit of extra room for overhang, which you can later cut off.
What is the best tool to cut Formica?
Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces. Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw. Cut out the shape’s form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. Install the Formica onto the countertop or other location.
How do you cut Formica without chipping?
You can minimize the potential for chipping if you use a finish blade with lots of teeth, making sure the sharp is keen. You can further reduce the chance of chipping by using masking tape along the cut line and cutting through the tape. As with all cutting, measure at least twice and mark the line well and clearly.
Can you saw through Formica?
Jigsaws CAN cut Formica/laminates without needing a cleanup pass from a router. However, it does help to have a router to make a cleanup pass. If you don’t have a router to clean the edges, you can produce a smooth edge if you take a couple of precautionary steps prior to cutting.
Is Formica easy to cut?
A utility knife can be used to make scoring cuts on Formica. Formica brand plastic laminate is most commonly used to cover countertops, cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Since all plastic laminates are essentially the same, cutting Formica with a utility knife is identical to cutting most laminates.
What kind of blade do you use to cut laminate countertop?
Cutting a post-form laminate countertop to length requires a clean, straight cut. The best DIY tool for the job is a circular saw with a fine-tooth carbide blade made for laminate (the same blades are typically sold for non-ferrous metals and other types of plastics). You can also use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade.
What router bit do you use to trim Formica?
Flush trim router bit Design to trim the laminate countertops, Formica, etc. Gives a high-quality product. Freud 1/16 inch radius laminate trim bit with ¼ shank replaces Amana’s bit. This laminate bit can be used with handheld routers and table-mounted routers.
Can you cut Formica with scissors?
Laminate is surprisingly easy to cut. A pair of large, sharp scissors will do the trick. To avoid mistakes, always be sure to measure twice before cutting once.
How do you cut melamine without chipping a hand saw?
To cut melamine or laminate boards without chipping, your saw must be equipped with a double-sided laminate / melamine blade. These blades are specially designed for cutting and at the same time minimize chipping. Before making your cuts, get your table sawed as best you can.
What is the best tool to cut a laminate worktop?
What is the best tool to cut a laminate worktop? A circular saw is often the best option to cut laminate worktops. Make sure the blade is sharp (replace the blade if you have been using it for a while) and suitable for fine cuts—it should cut through the worktop without any issue.
What is the best way to cut laminated chipboard?
Using a jig saw will give you a potential spoil on both edges due to the reciprocating action. A circular saw is better and you can minimise the chipping by putting masking tape along the cut lines. Another way is to undercut and bring down with a power planer.
Can you cut Formica with a router?
Although you can use a wood file to trim off laminate overhanging substrate edges, doing so takes a lot of time, and the results will likely not look professionally done. The solution: Use a router fitted with a high-quality flush-trim bit designed especially for this task. You’ll get perfect edges in no time.
How do you cut down a laminate countertop?
Attach a fine tooth blade to a jigsaw, and then use the saw to cut through the countertop along your drawn cutting line. Keep the saw going straight along the rear of the counter, removing the upturned section of the backsplash while leaving the laminate that covered the section untouched.
How many teeth do I need to cut laminate?
Diamond-tipped blades that are made for laminate and fiber cement usually have a low number of teeth to reduce the dust produced by cutting cement. However, typical circular and miter saw blades that are used for laminate will have 80 to 100 teeth for fine, precision cutting.
Can I use a hand saw to cut laminate?
Sawing your boards can actually be done with a regular handsaw. Make a small cut first and then saw on! It’s ideal for shortening laminate boards. Some tips to make it easier: put your saw line as close as possible to your bearing surface and don’t forget to firmly hold the piece you’re sawing off.
How do you cut a laminate countertop without a router?
Use 100-grit sandpaper to clean up any imperfections and create a smooth surface. Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth. Cut the laminate sheeting down to size to fit the countertop with a circular saw or a fine-toothed handsaw. Give yourself an extra inch on both dimensions — you can trim the excess later.
Can you cut a laminate worktop with a hand saw?
To cut your formica style worktop with a hand saw, the good side should be facing up. (Although my white balance above is poor, the worktop I picked is this Wilsonart Torano from Selco and I found it the cheapest place to buy). You see, hand saws have some give, so don’t always give perfectly straight cuts.
Can you cut laminate countertop with a utility knife?
Plastic laminate is a durable, waterproof covering often used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. You can use several tools to cut laminates, including a table saw or handheld power saw, a utility knife, a router or a hand slitter. The best cutting approach depends on whether you’re rough cutting or finishing edges.
