FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Laminate Ripping Techniques

basswood | Posted in Construction Techniques on August 3, 2006 06:02am

I need to rip sheet laminate into strips. I’ve done it on the table saw, but it binds under the fence (because it is thin enough to catch). I expect that I might have the same problem with a router table fence.

Any ideas welcome (a search revealed nothing).

TIA

Edit to add: I could sandwich the laminate between two layers of sacrificial plywood…any better ideas?


Edited 8/2/2006 11:07 pm ET by basswood

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. ccal | Aug 03, 2006 06:14am | #1

    The best way is a laminate slitter. Otherwise I would clamp a wooden fence to the table saw fence to keep the laminate from slipping under it. I have also cut it with shears or by scoring and snapping but sometimes have had it crack on me with those methods.

  2. Tomrocks21212 | Aug 03, 2006 06:14am | #2

    I use an L-shaped auxiliary fence. The side made of 1/2" plywood is clamped to the fence of the saw, and the other leg, made of 1/8" Masonite or a strip of laminate, lies flat on the table surface, and the laminate rides over top of it. The small change in height isn't usually a problem.
    It goes smoother if you glue a piece of laminate to the face of the 1/2" ply.

    1. User avater
      basswood | Aug 03, 2006 06:20am | #4

      I think I'll build me one of those aux. fence/table jig things...sounds good.I'll try it out this next Monday.Thanks

    2. bldrbill | Aug 05, 2006 04:22am | #14

      Tom--I've cut lots of laminate on table saws over the years and your method is the best I've seen.

      1. User avater
        basswood | Aug 08, 2006 02:47am | #17

        Bill and Tom and ALLDid the deed today...your method worked very well. I'll post some photos this weekend of my version of your suggestion. Thanks everyone, for the helpful advice.

  3. calvin | Aug 03, 2006 06:18am | #3

    The slitter is the way to go.

    but.

    What size strips are you needing to make and how inaccurate can you be?

    In a pinch, a blade left circ. saw held in the right hand with a block taped to the rip fence with your fingers dangerously close under the fence to keep the lam up on the fence.  (Blade left because for some reason I have more dexterity in this application than with my right side saw.

    A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

     

    1. User avater
      basswood | Aug 03, 2006 06:25am | #5

      I need 5", 7" and 13-3/8" strips for a dental office custom laminate job (for applications were I can't glue down first and then trim).This is not just for edge banding. Does a slitter do wide rips & how much do those cost?

      1. calvin | Aug 03, 2006 06:32am | #6

        The german model I have only goes just shy of 4''.

        I've had it for years, I really can't remember the $'s.

        You're talking cut and glue, no trim?

        I don't know if I wouldn't rip with my circ. saw (lam good side down), but if I had the brains I might use the EZSmart guide.

        How long?

        I've clamped to a straight deck and used my laminate trimmer to do the rip.  Takes a steady hand, but the cut is gooooood.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        Quittin' Time

         

        1. User avater
          basswood | Aug 03, 2006 06:39am | #7

          Relaminating (pull & replace existing) already trimmed...trim hemmed in by wallpaper...this is a new experiment for me. May have to bugger up the wallpaper & redo it the normal way. I gave no promises on how it would go & it is a T&M gig so I'll come out ok.Happy repeat customers are a good thing.

      2. ccal | Aug 03, 2006 06:40am | #8

        Ive got the virutex hand held one. Was about 100 bucks. I think it will only cut to about 4 inches. I believe I got 4 1/2 one time by adjusting it farther out than normal but cant remember for sure. They make power slitters too, depends on how much cutting you have.

  4. mcain | Aug 03, 2006 03:13pm | #9

    We have a laminate cutting jig for the fence on the saw - essentially it is a piece of laminate that sits UNDER the fence on the saw and extends out to the blade whatever the width of the piece is you are cutting...(for thin side strips) and wider pieces just go over the top...it keeps the laminate from sliding under the fence...

    1. User avater
      basswood | Aug 03, 2006 03:17pm | #10

      This place is a treasure trove of info!Thanks.

      1. mikerooney | Aug 03, 2006 06:26pm | #11

        1. Set the fence to your rip.2. Lower the blade, and attach a piece of 1/4" plywood to the table with double stick tape.3. Turn on the saw, and slowly raise the blade through the plywood.You now have a zero clearance set-up, and the lam. can't ride under the fence, but you will have to repeat the procedure for each width you require.''Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something.'' Plato

         

        1. JulianTracy | Aug 03, 2006 08:34pm | #12

          If you are going to use an auxillary wood fence - then back bevel the bottom so that it fits tight to the table, eliminating any possibility of slipping underneath.PC made (makes) a slitter attachment that attches to their laminate trimmer standard base - works pretty good if you can find one.JT

  5. User avater
    RRooster | Aug 05, 2006 02:29am | #13

    Here's a simple one I saw.

    1- take a scrape piece of ply or 1" stock and cut it on the table saw about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way through

    2- leave the saw running and rip your laminate on top of the 1/2 cut piece of stock

    3- the stock will "float" on the blade and will not cut any furthur and the laminate will not slip under the saw fence.

    Trick

     

    http://grungefm.com

     

  6. BUIC | Aug 05, 2006 08:40am | #15

      I usually use a piece of wall angle, the kind used on hung ceilings.  Any 1" x 1" angle would do .

      Place it with one leg on the table, the other against the fence. Tape or screw the upright leg to the fence.

      Now the laminate can't slip under the fence. You have a smooth, clean face for the laminate to ride against. And it moves with the fence when you change sizes.

      Try it you'll like it!  Buic

       

  7. stevent1 | Aug 05, 2006 09:57pm | #16

    I have several p-lam jigs that have been used for years.Use 1/4" melamine or MDF. Attach a 2" rip (or sized dictated by your fence guide bars, my Bessimier fence calls for 2" rips) under the front edge purpindicular to the fence. Do the same at the outfeed side. This will stabilize the 1/4". Raise the blade slowly into the 1/4". I have jigs that range from 6" to 30" wide that i use to keep the laminate flat for any size cut.

    A straight edge and a router is best if you need a perfect edge.

    Sounds like a nice project. Medical work is very good $$ but involves a lot of P-lam and off hour work. Make sure you have good ventilation for the contact cement.

  8. dustinf | Aug 08, 2006 04:02am | #18

    Here's an old thread on JLC I started in January.

    http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29639&highlight=fence

    I made an auxillary fence just for laminate.

    Don't call me daughter.

  9. User avater
    basswood | Aug 13, 2006 01:42am | #19

    The Laminate Ripping Jig/Table worked great. I pulled laminate off of 3 tops and a backsplash and replaced laminate flush with the bullnosed trim. Two of the tops had trim on both sides and the laminate had to be a perfect fit. I built the small art niche from scratch (instead of relaminating).

    The ripping table is made of 1/2" MDO. Here are some photos:



    Edited 8/12/2006 6:50 pm ET by basswood

  10. cowtown | Aug 13, 2006 03:50am | #20

    lotsa solid suggestions here.

    The laminate slitter of (my) choice is the virutex hand held. I think the older model went to 3.5", the newer model to 4" (or was it 4 and 4.5???) There are extensions you can purchase, but they only add about another 1/2", and like the slitter, aint cheap.

    There is an offshore knock-off that is substantially cheaper, I tried one, and it wouldn't cut worth sh*t.

    I also have the bench mounted slitter (virutex), but you gotta move the laminate through it, a totally awkward venture at best. I have it, I tried it, and it sits on the shelf.

    TS cutting is good, once yu figure out how to deal with the floppiness of say a 12' sheet of laminate.....

    My solution was to take a huge scrap of 1/4" ply and extend the "infeed" part of the table saw by 6'My outfeed table runs 7' past the end, so it keeps the whole sheet basically flat.

    When ripping, I often toss a 4"x8' ish scrap of 3/4 ply on top of the laminate, just to give it some weight and help keep it flat.

    Width wise cuts on 5x12's, I snaggled a piece of 2x4ish aluminimum extrusion from the salvage yard (20 bucks) and made a sled for a laminate trimmer. Used a v-cutter to minimize waste.

    It can sit across the top of the table saw-I can get you a picture if you want....

    But back to the laminate slitter. Where this really shines is slicing edging for laminate edged doors. Fast and accurate. Just watch that the rollers are set so they don't leave little pressure cracks running into the surface.

    Eric

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Choosing a Paintbrush

Tips for picking the right paintbrush based on paint type, surface, and personal comfort.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 695: Saving Bricks, Cut-and-Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Waterproofing Below-Grade Foundation Walls
  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data