If you are going to install a laminate countertop in the kitchen area of your home, you will need to purchase a laminate countertop. But it is highly possible that you will get a laminate countertop bigger than the size you have in mind. In that case, you will need to cut your laminate countertop but if you don't know how to cut a laminate countertop, then there are chances that you might damage its finish. Laminate is regarded as one of the brittle materials. It is capable of bending easily without breaking, with a large enough surface area that flexes quite easily. However, it is completely brittle when it gets to the point where it can no longer flex anymore. If you cut a laminate countertop using ordinary saws, then there are chances that it might chip or splinter. In fact, when cutting a laminate countertop, there is always a risk of chipping as well as splintering your laminate countertop.
Easy Process Of Cutting Laminate Countertop With Table Saw
Using a table saw is one of the easiest methods when it comes to cutting a laminate countertop. To perform a cutting job, masking tape, as well as high teeth count carbide blade, is what you need, usually, a 102 teeth carbide blade will be ideal. The carbide blade and the high teeth count will be very helpful if you are looking for a factory finish on your laminate countertop. A high teeth count together with the carbide edge cuts very clean, which in turn helps to prevent any splinters whatsoever. This can also be done using a normal table saw blade as well, but it does not provide the appropriate results.
- 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.