Hi guys,
I have been asked to rework a peice of existing laminate countertop and I am not sure of the best method to cut it.
First of all it is a three sided laminate countertop/peninsula. The client wants to cut one side of it and turn it against the wall where it resembles a standard countertop. Because of the buildup on the edge I have to cut it laminate side up.
Would it be better to use a straitedge and a plunge router or a straitedge and circular saw. The peice is about twenty years old and I am not sure if its brittle or dry or generally what…
Since I have to cut it good side up I was leaning toward the plunge router “gently taking 1/8 to 1/4 inch passes”. I thought I would ask for advice since there really isn’t the opportunity to start from scratch. I don’t want to screw up on existing material. I was also thinking that the router cut would be smoother and the off cut could be used for a backsplash.
Thanks in advance for replies and advice.
Webby
Edited 3/15/2005 10:22 pm ET by webby
Replies
I think you have the right idea. Watch out (good luck) for the build up fasteners. 20 yo laminate, I'd give them the word that it might be time for new. This is a bastard situation at best. How do you plan to finish the cut edge?
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Why does the built-up edge keep you from cutting from the underside? Can't you lay in a sacrificial piece of particle board of the right thickness and cut through the whole assembly at once?
I could if I wanted to go and purchase more particle board, but its kind of an afterthought idea on the part of the owner, kind of an ad hoc idea. They don't want to put any thing into the peice, just cut and turn the island shaped peice, and place the cut side against the wall.
They have a small kitchen and turning the peice would make more room and they could use it for a catch all kitchen organization point, you know bills, phone, memos, etc.
Thanks for the tip on the buildup fasteners. I think there are none in the proposed cut line. As for the new cut edge it will go against one wall, the narrow unfinished edge against the wall now will go against another wall in the corner. Basically its going to go back into a corner.
Webby
Edited 3/16/2005 3:13 pm ET by webby
Router is the way I would go... but if you do catch any fasteners... be sure that you are wearing goggles and a set of coveralls... are standing away from the direct line of the sawdust "line-of-fire"... and assure you can shut that router down quick (don't use the "stay-on" button). You won't save the carbide bit... but you may save yourself some serious pain if one of those fasteners is a bugger and comes out after ya.
Good luck and good skill.