Various Techniques Of Cutting Laminate Countertop
Cutting the laminate countertop is one of the easy & simple processes. You will find a laminate countertop in standard sizes that you will just need to cut to length in order to fit your counter space. You can add a sink to the countertop, but for that, you will simply need to mark the outline of the sink that you are going to install and cut a hole for it to sit in. Different types of tools can be used in order to cut laminates, such as a table saw or handheld power saw, a utility knife, a router, jigsaw, circular saw, or a hand slitter. The best cutting approach is totally dependent on whether you are rough cutting or finishing edges.
Cutting Laminate Countertop Using Jigsaw
The easy steps to cut laminate worktop using Jigsaw are mentioned below:
- Blade: The jigsaw comes with two types of blades one with the teeth in an upward direction and then another with downward teeth. The blade with downward teeth performs the job much neatly and cleanly.
- Measurements: Taking accurate measurements of the counter or worktop is necessary for cutting laminate accordingly. This must be done using the measuring tape.
- Straight Edges: Make sure, to cut the piece in a straight line for this placing the sort of straight lumber on the worktop to run the jigsaw will do a perfect job.
- Support: Uninstalled laminate work/countertop piece needs support in terms of the sawhorses to get the job done.
- Tape: Cover the surface using standard masking or duct tape in order to protect it from getting chipped.
- T- Square: Cutting laminate top using the T- Square is a wise idea for flexible cross and angled cutting.
Cutting Laminate Countertop Using Circular Saw
Steps to cut the laminate countertops with a circular saw are mentioned below:
- Right Blade: The first and important thing is to choose the right blade to attain the desired results.
- Cutting With Circular Saw: To get the perfect cutting done proper measurements in terms of the length and width are required.
- Cut Outs: After proper length and width cutting make the final cutouts for the things like a sink.
- Final Edging: Once the edges are cut with a circular Saw follow up by sanding edges with the 220-grit sandpaper to make them smooth and even.
Cutting Laminate Countertop Using Table Saw Or Handheld Power Saw
- Unplug Table Saw: First of all, loosen up & remove obstructions from the table saw. Disconnect the power cord of the table saw from any power source. This is due to the reason that you will first have to replace your normal table saw blade with the carbide one. At the time of handling the blade or maintenance of the saw, always make sure to disconnect the cord first.
- Carbide Blade: Now, it is time to replace the normal table saw blade with the high teeth count carbide blade. The high teeth count on the carbide blade will help you build a more finished cut.
- Masking Tape: Next, apply masking tape at the area of the laminate countertop where you are going to make a cut. This is needless & irrelevant when you are using a high teeth count carbide blade. But always be extra cautious in order to make sure that the job goes smoothly. The masking tape is used to prevent the laminate from splintering.
- Place Countertop On The Table Saw: Now, position the laminate countertop on the table saw, facing up. Connect the power cord to an outlet and switch it on. Smoothly move the countertop forward allowing the blade to cut it from the bottom side up.
- Peel Off The Tape: Finally, move the countertop smoothly all the way to the end. If in case you are working with a narrow piece, then you will need to use the pushing sticks in order to push the narrow end. As soon as it is cut, you can peel off the tape to see the fine finish of the cut. Now, you are ready to install the laminate countertop wherever you want.