Replies

1. 
   RedfordHenry | Aug 13, 2008 04:59am | #1

   To get it down to a rough size, table saw works, so does a carbide scribe, or a jigsaw.  Take your pick.

1. 
   Sphere | Aug 13, 2008 05:04am | #2

   I tried a pick, it just made big holes. I need better aim.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

   You gonna play that thing?

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0

1. 
   BarryE | Aug 13, 2008 05:35am | #4

   it's not your aimit's all in the wrists

   Barry E-Remodeler

    

2. 
   john7g | Aug 14, 2008 12:10am | #7

   he meant toothpick. Carbide tipped of course.

2. 
   hammer1 | Aug 13, 2008 05:32am | #3

   To just break the sheet down to rough size, you can use a decent pair of duckbill tin snips. Don't cut all the way to the tip of the snips, just nibble ahead a little at a time. Watch out for your knuckles on the sharp edges. Make sure you leave enough extra since the shears may fracture the plastic back 1/4" or so. There are special laminate shears that are handy to have in the tool box.

   http://www.amazon.com/MA72500-Klenk-Straight-Laminate-Shear/dp/B000QFPD4W/ref=pd_sim_hi_1

   Strips for edges and backsplashes are often cut with a slitter, table saw or router. On a table saw, you may need to add a sacrificial fence so the laminate can't slip underneath the fence. It usually helps to raise the blade higher. A 1/4" straight bit in a router is a very clean way to make a cut. It's used when mitering corners. Two sheets are brought together, a straight edge is clamped to guide the router and hold the sheets from moving. The bit cuts both sheets at the same time for a perfect match. It helps if you have a piece of plywood, MDF or similar to act as a backer, to clamp the laminate to and also allow the bit to cut into a little. It's always a good idea to have the PL well supported when cutting, same with the waste end too.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Aug 13, 2008 11:38pm | #6

   I've used those laminate shears for the past 20 years. Great for one off jobs. for production work TS is my choice.

   Didn't have enough overhead room for the pick in my old shop :)

3. 
   Kivi | Aug 13, 2008 05:47am | #5

   for rough sizing  I always use one of those handheld hook-shaped thingy's with the carbide tip.  A few passes along a straightedge, then just bend and the laminate snaps along the scribed line.