The Best Way to Cut a Countertop Without Chipping It Lay masking tape around the general area where the hole needs to be cut in the countertop. Mark the location where you plan to cut the countertop with a pencil over the masking tape.
How to cut Formica sheets without chipping?
Use a Jigsaw to Cut Angles in Formica
- The first step is taking and making the right measurements. ...
- Measure from the back of the countertop. ...
- Use a pencil or pen to make your cut line onto the surface of your Formica countertop.
- From here, put a piece of tape over the cut line. ...
- Position your corded or cordless jigsaw on your countertop’s edge and start cutting into the Formica. ...
How to cut laminate countertop with backsplash?
Things You'll Need
- 2 sawhorses
- Preformed laminate countertop
- Grease pencil
- Masking tape
- Heat resistant work gloves
- Heat gun
- Safety goggles
- JIgsaw
- Fine-tooth carbide blade
- Medium grit sandpaper
How to install laminate on counter tops?
Method 2 Method 2 of 2: Laminating Wood Countertops Download Article
- Measure and order your unfinished countertops. Use a tape measure to find the distance from edge to edge across every section of your cabinets.
- Line up your laminate sheet so that it’s sticking past your countertop. Lay a laminate sheet on top of a section of your counter.
- Cut your laminate sheet with snips or a circular saw. ...
How do you cut laminate counter?
Tools
- Safety gloves, Safety glasses
- Jigsaw, Circular saw
- Tape measure, T-square
- C-clamps, Straight edge
How do you cut a laminate countertop without splintering?
Try a rotary tool equipped with a cutting wheel or a jigsaw equipped with a fine tooth blade, and cut slowly and carefully through the countertop. Make sure you have someone to support the section you're cutting off so it doesn't fall before you've finished cutting and crack the laminate.
How can I cut my countertop without chipping?
You can minimize the potential for chipping if you use a finish blade with lots of teeth, making sure the sharp is keen. You can further reduce the chance of chipping by using masking tape along the cut line and cutting through the tape. As with all cutting, measure at least twice and mark the line well and clearly.
What is the best blade to cut laminate countertop?
Simply put, the Festool Laminate 48-tooth saw blade is one of the best blades you can use for cutting laminate. These blades are made specifically for cutting laminate, and they will do the job on even the most robust types of laminate.
What do you use to cut laminate countertops?
Cutting a post-form laminate countertop to length requires a clean, straight cut. The best DIY tool for the job is a circular saw with a fine-tooth carbide blade made for laminate (the same blades are typically sold for non-ferrous metals and other types of plastics). You can also use a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade.
Can you cut premade laminate countertops?
2:559:05How To Cut a Laminate Countertop | Including Lessons LearnedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn your guide in place what we want to do is set the blade to exactly where we wanted to cut thenMoreIn your guide in place what we want to do is set the blade to exactly where we wanted to cut then you're gonna use our C clamps. And you'll attach your C camp clamps to both sides. So the one closest
How do you cut a laminate countertop by hand?
0:443:35Cutting Laminate Countertop Using a Japanese Pull Saw - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut. You can see it doesn't take much effort and the cut is very very narrow and very clean so itMoreCut. You can see it doesn't take much effort and the cut is very very narrow and very clean so it does an excellent job on. Formica. Cut the backsplash down to the countertop.
Can I cut laminate countertop with a jigsaw?
Use the starter holes to start the interior cut. Insert the jigsaw blade inside the hole, aligning the blade with the cutting line while keeping the show flat against the laminate countertop. Turn on the jigsaw and let the blade get up to speed, then steadily move the blade against the material.
How do you cut the edges of a laminate countertop?
0:144:59How to trim a laminate countertop edge. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you just kind of run across you see it doesn't do a lot but once you don't put too much pressureMoreIf you just kind of run across you see it doesn't do a lot but once you don't put too much pressure on it go slow and you'll see here it'll kind of start breaking a little bit. You can feel the edge.
What is the difference between laminate and Formica countertops?
The truth is, laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are basically the same; laminate is the material while Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both brands come in a wide range of colors and patterns and are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters.Mar 23, 2012
How to protect laminate countertops from chipping?
Measure in from the part you are going to cut off with a measuring tape and draw a line where the cut will go. Stick a strip of masking tape over the countertop widthwise, so the mark you made is centered underneath, to keep the laminate from chipping during cutting.
Where to clamp wood when cutting off a countertop?
Clamp the wood to the part of the counter that you are not cutting off. In other words, if you are cutting off the end of the countertop at the right hand side , then clamp the wood to the left hand side of the line.
How long is a laminate countertop?
Buy a stock piece of laminate countertop. Laminate countertop comes in stock sizes, from 4–12 ft (1.2–3.7 m) long, in 2 ft (0.61 m) intervals. Buy a piece of stock laminate countertop as close to the correct length as you can.
What is the goal of a cutout in the counter?
The goal is to create a cutout in the counter that fits the sink as tightly as possible. You will be able to make any adjustments at the end.
How to clamp wood to countertop?
Clamp a piece of scrap wood to the countertop with C clamps as a saw guide. Measure the distance between the saw’s blade and the outside of its shoe (the metal guard) and add 1⁄16 in (0.16 cm) to it. Measure this distance in from the side you are cutting off, then clamp the wood widthwise to the countertop to create the guide rail.
Can you cut a hole in laminate countertop?
Laminate countertop comes in standard sizes that you will just need to cut to length to fit your counter space. You also might want to add a sink to the countertop, in which case you'll just need to mark the outline of the sink you want to install and cut a hole for it to sit in. Steps.
What is the standard width of a countertop?
Countertops come in a standard width and pieces of different lengths that you can cut down to size. The standard width of countertops is 25 in (64 cm), which allows for a slight overhang when covering standard cabinets. ...
Why Do Laminate Countertops Chip?
Laminate countertops have two distinct components: a plastic finish and a thick particle board or wood base layer. If you cut straight through a laminate countertop without taking specific precautions, the saw blade will tear away chunks of the laminate layer as it cuts.
How to score cut a countertop?
For best results, make a score cut on both sides of the countertop. Set the blade height to barely touch the material, make the cut and flip the countertop over to repeat this score cut on the other side. Finally, adjust the blade to the proper height for a through cut and complete this final cut. Remove any leftover tape and admire your clean cut!
How to stop laminate from tearing?
Two other tricks that will help prevent the laminate layer from tearing include adding masking tape over the cutting line on the laminate side and making an initial scoring cut.
Can you cut Formica countertops?
Ready to remodel your kitchen? You may find yourself wanting to cut into existing or new countertops to bring your vision to life. Regardless of whether you're cutting into countertops that are already mounted, take a moment to learn how to cut Formica countertops without chipping for best results.
Can you cut a countertop with a jigsaw?
You can cut into an existing mounted countertop with a jigsaw in order to create the hole for a sink. If you intend to install a drop-in sink, you don't need to worry as much about creating a chip-free edge, because the sink will hide any minor aesthetic issues. However, you can still make a clean cut by applying masking tape on top of the laminate where you'll make your cuts. Trace the sink template on top of the tape.
What happens if you cut laminate countertop straight through?
If you cut straight through a laminate countertop without taking specific precautions, the saw blade will tear away chunks of the laminate layer as it cuts. Advertisement. To combat this tearing effect, ...
How to make a clean cut on laminate?
However, you can still make a clean cut by applying masking tape on top of the laminate where you'll make your cuts. Trace the sink template on top of the tape. Next, create a brace using a scrap piece of plywood that is at least twice as long as the sink.
Why Do Laminate Countertops Chip?
Laminate countertops have two distinct components: a plastic finish and a thick particle board or wood base layer. If you cut straight through a laminate countertop without taking specific precautions, the saw blade will tear away chunks of the laminate layer as it cuts.
How to keep laminate from tearing?
Two other tricks that will help prevent the laminate layer from tearing include adding masking tape over the cutting line on the laminate side and making an initial scoring cut.
How to protect laminate counter tops from tears?
Measure the length of your cut at the top and bottom of your counter. Then, connect the marks with a strip of thick masking tape, which will protect the laminate from tears. The tape will tear instead of the laminate. Flip the countertop over to expose the wooden underside and make your measurements again.
How to cut laminate with a table saw?
Whether you're cutting with a table saw or a circular saw, use a blade designed for laminate products and adjust or create a "fence" to allow you to make a straight cut with your tool. For best results, make a score cut on both sides of the countertop. Set the blade height to barely touch the material, make the cut and flip ...
How to protect hands when using a table saw?
Wear eye and respiratory protection before powering up the saw. Use a push stick to protect your hands when using a table saw. Make sure the power is off before adjusting the blade on any saw. If at any point you do not feel like you can complete the project safely, stop and call a professional for assistance.
How to prevent chipping on a knife?
You can further reduce the chance of chipping by using masking tape along the cut line and cutting through the tape.
What Kind of Blade Do You Use To Cut Formica?
As carpenters know, the more teeth on the circular saw blade, the finer the cut. The teeth are smaller, and if sharp, will give you a clean cut. You can minimize the potential for chipping if you use a finish blade with lots of teeth, making sure the sharp is keen.
What is Formica laminate used for?
Formica brand plastic laminate is commonly used to cover kitchen countertops, and a utility knife would work for that purpose. Heavy-duty construction scissors with sharp blades could also be used.
Why laminate backsplash?
Your kitchen should have a laminate backsplash with your laminate countertop for consistency’s sake and a uniform appearance. Whether it’s just a few inches or a foot or two, a laminate backsplash gives an appropriate finish to your kitchen counters.
What kind of countertops are there?
With so many types of countertops to choose from and write about, we won’t run out of material (pun intended) for this and future posts. Granite, quartz, concrete, wood, Formica ( laminate), and more come at different price points and degrees of difficulty to work with during installation or keeping clean.
Can laminate countertops be cut?
Laminate Countertops. Laminate countertops are layers of paper that have been glued together and finished with a resin topping. It is not necessarily difficult to cut, but it is easily subject to chipping, and in the trimming of the edges can also be worn down.
Can you cut Formica countertop without chipping?
If you follow these simple suggestions for cutting your Formica countertop without chipping the laminate, you’ll make the job easy to attack. The finished product will serve you well and give your kitchen a clean and fresh look. Whether it’s a new kitchen installation or a kitchen facelift, you’ll be pleased with the results.
How to smooth out laminate countertops?
Take a belt sander or a sanding block, and smooth out the edges of the laminate. This helps give you the crisp, unchipped look of a well-cut countertop. It also can help correct issues that you may have had while cutting, such as swerves. To finish off your cutting, use a metal file to get the edges close to the wall.
How to get a clean cut with a countertop removed?
To ensure you get a clean cut with the countertop removed, you may need to make a couple of other passes through it. You can either continue to use your circular blade, or you can use a jigsaw for this. Remove the cut portions of your countertop. Just place them aside for the time being.
Why Is It Hard To Cut Formica Countertops?
With the right tools, they can be relatively easy to cut. After all, they are solid stone and won’t be prone to chipping or breakage. This is one of the top reasons why contractors prefer to work with granite.
What is laminate countertop?
Laminate countertops are sheets of paper that are glued together, then topped with a resin finish. If you’re going to cut a laminate countertop that’s already been installed in your kitchen or bathroom, you’re going to need some strategy.
How to finish off a countertop?
To finish off your cutting, use a metal file to get the edges close to the wall. When sanding down the edges, only use downward strokes. Upward strokes will lift the resin off the countertop, which can cause severe problems with your countertop’s surface.
Can you cut Formica countertop with a circular saw?
Though it’s not easy by any means of the word, it can be done. Among DIY enthusiasts, the standard tool to cut a Formica countertop is a circular saw. That being said, you would need a guard and to place precautionary taping around the resin to avoid chipping.
Is Formica countertop laminate or granite?
This is one of the top reasons why contractors prefer to work with granite. Formica countertops are not made out of stone. Rather, they’re laminate countertops.