I have to scribe and cut a small sink base counter, solid surface material. What’s the best jigsaw blade to use?
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! – MyToolbox.net
See my work – TedsCarpentry.com
I have to scribe and cut a small sink base counter, solid surface material. What’s the best jigsaw blade to use?
~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! – MyToolbox.net
See my work – TedsCarpentry.com
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Replies
How much material do you have to remove? If its not a lot, a belt sander is the way to go.
Cutting solid surface with a circ. saw or jigsaw (esp. jigsaw) can be a crapshoot, since it can create stress cracks which could compromise the countertop.
I have figured out if you sandwich the laminate between the base wood and a scrap piece of plywood clamped to the top, you get a nicer cut.
The OP said solid surface, not laminate
Same trick works.
I have to remove about an inch, then scribe to the tile wall. The wall is a little curvy, as it's an old house.
I guess the carbide blade in my circular saw is my best bet, followed by the belt sander to make it perfect. I said jig saw because I was assuming a circular saw may be too much stress. I guess the opposite holds true.
I'm installing it tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for me. It's a $400 top and this is the first time I ever cut one. ~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
You might want to try gt's trick of sandwiching between ply and cutting, if you can. It should help keep things in one piece,
I can and I think that's a good idea. I'm taking a scrap piece with me tomorrow. Thanks. =)~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
What solid surface is it? Corian sort of thing or cultured marble?
I have had pretty good luck cutting cultured marble with a cutoff wheel.
It's a Corian-like material, not sure exactly what brand but looks like beige granite.
I like CardiacPaul's suggestion of using the up-cut router bit. The thought of it cracking because I used a saw is frightening. ~ Ted W ~
Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work - TedsCarpentry.com
Scribing to a wall = belt sander or flap disc on angle grinder.
Sink cut out ---I don't know if it is the best, but I have used Lenox blades for this. Cut from back use a normal blade, cut from top use a "cut-on-the-downstroke" style blade. Relatively fine teeth.
Circular saw from the back with a carbide blade works well for straight lines.
Make sure to support the cut out plug during the cutting process - you do not want the plug snapping off and messing everything up at the end of the cut.
What I really like is an outside template held in place with hot glue and a router with a straight carbide bit - nibble your way right on through - pretty!
All techniques - watch out for dust! Router produces a product which looks like big snow flakes and clings to everything due to static.
Jim
You may want to go with a router & spiral up cut bit, 1/2 of course, cut the bulk of your material off with the router & belt sand to taste.
Circ saw may fracture like other said, wood ideal is good.
Best of luck
Paul
No one should regard themselve as "God's gift to man." But rather a mere man whos gifts are from God.
I'd try the carbide grit one, after drilling a dozen or more holes around the perimeter. Was thinking sink cut out, belt sander is the tool to fine tune the cut/scribe.
Edited 4/10/2009 5:58 am ET by Pelipeth
not supposed to use a jigsaw blade, but it use a bosch T101B. Followed up with a makita 3 1/4" power plane and then a 6" dia orbital sander or belt sander if needed.
corian, avonite, what ever the brand