How do you cut a post form counter to length without chipping it?
Can’t I go 1 day without spilling my coffee?
How do you cut a post form counter to length without chipping it?
Can’t I go 1 day without spilling my coffee?
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Replies
I've done this a couple ways. It works well to flip the top over & cut from the bottom with a circ saw. You could use a jiggy saw also, naturally using very sharp blades. A straightedge makes things a little easier. A jiggy & a sharp blade also does sometimes work from the top, but using tape to protect is a good idea.
The hardest part is to make a smooth transition from the flat to the backsplash. Best to cut the splash long and hit it with a belt sander. Like many other things, it takes a little creativity, practice, and common sense.
ADH Carpentry & Woodwork
Quality, Craftsmanship, Detail
jiggy. lol
-zen
as already mentioned, cut from the back. New blade (combo rip/cross or plywood -going to be "single use") and put masking tape on the cut to minimize chipping. to keep the line on the post, try making your straightedge L-shaped - matches the post - once it's clamped in place, you won't have to move it finish the cut.
Could also try cutting it "long" and clean it up with a router with a laminate bit - some of the same problems with the post
be sure the cut edge is the one to the wall - you can "hide" the chips when you caulk the joint
Turn top upside down. Clamp or screw straight edge to top and backsplash,use short screws so you do not go thru laminate.Mark a square line on the front edge of top. Cut this line 1/8" deep with a hacksaw,enough to go thru laminate. Install 40 tooth combination blade in saw and make the cut from the backsplash and over to the bottom of the countertop.Try to do this in one continous cut. You will get a clean cut that needs a light sanding on the sharp laminate edge.If you are joining two pieces, leave out the sanding.You can tape the cut, not necessary if you use a sharp blade. The hacksaw cut is for the exiting blade, if you do not make this cut the front will chip.
mike
Sounds like you have some extra length, hopefully several inches, so a test cut would be a good idea. I have used a jigsaw with a downstroke-cutting blade (decent results but takes some getting used to), a skilsaw with a new carbide blade (40T?), and a good ol' fashioned crosscut handsaw. The handsaw in particular is great for going thru the area where the top rolls up into the backsplash.
Once you have figured out how much chipping, if any, you are going to get, take that into account as you make the final cut. If you want a superclean cut, and you want to scribe the top nicely into the end wall, or add an endsplash, use a belt sander with a 100 grit belt to clean up the cut. I do this with the top sitting on sawhorses, and the belt sander held vertically with the nose pointing at the ceiling. If I'm scribing I put white masking tape on the top and mark the scribe line on the tape in ball point pen.
Hook gave you some good advice, I'd like to add that if you use a jigsaw, [I wouldn't] use a down stroke blade. As hook said, best to flip it over and cut from the bottom with a circ saw. Also, try to get the top that has no backsplash, looks better and most people tile or some such finish on the back anyway.