I know of most of the common tips for cutting laminate countertops: cut from back, use tape, use special jigsaw blades, etc.
I have to cut several pieces with the preformed backsplash and would be interested in others do’s or don’t’s.
For example, should I just go ahead and plan on cutting slightly long and using the belt sander to ease the inevitable chipped edge as I’ve done in the past.
I’ve only cut a handfull of pieces in the past, and to be honest none had to be show quality just whack it and stack it cause it’s just going in the garage or shop deals.
Now I’m doing a whole kitchen and laundry room.
Replies
Rough cut the top, leaving about 1/2" for finish.
Tape the laminate side where the finish cut will be. Clamp a jig to the back of the counter-top for a router to use.
1/2'" router with an industrial 1/2" straight bit (carbide)... 2" long (rather pricy... but well worth the investment. Cheaper than a ruined counter-top.). Trim with router to a finish cut, using the jig. Don't take too much of a bite... it will only lend to chipping and burn your router up (along with the bit).
I always do the back-splash portion first... but it is more superstition than anything else. Then move the jig and trim the top itself.
Mike
Along with what Rich said, you can get up or down cutting carbide bits, get one that will cut the laminate towards the substrate and you will practically eliminate all possibilities of chip out.
Doug
By "jig" I assume you just mean a straight edge or at most one that has a 90 degree bend that follows the backsplash?
Or are we talking something more involved here?
MikeVB
You've got it correct
Cut from the bottom, use a 40 tooth combination blade. I only cut wide if I have to scribe to a wall. I make up an ell shaped straightedge and clamp it. First , hand saw the front edge, I use a hacksaw for this cut. Then cut the backsplash and the rest of the top.The only place you have to saw by hand is where the saw exits the cut. No need to tape, the blade cuts up into the laminate, except where it exits the top.Sand or file the sharp edge slightly.
If you have to scribe the top, cut oversize by the widest amount.Remove some of the substrate with a router or saw set 5/16" from the laminate. This leaves about 3/8" depth of material to scribe.This is easier than scribing the entire thickness of the top.
mike