Laminate countertops are made up of layers of plastic and bounded with Kraft paper, particleboard. The laminate countertops can be fixed in kitchens and bathrooms. The best thing about the laminate Or Formica countertops is that it is not too heavy, inexpensive and can easily be installed without the help of any professional. The life of the laminate countertop is longer if the user takes good care of it. The laminate countertop has a smooth surface and can get scratched easily or gets stained. So don't use the countertop as a cutting board and also avoid keeping hot items on it. The laminate countertop is available in different types of patterns, colors, textures in a wide range. These types of countertops are mostly placed in kitchens and get damaged with a knife or with other sharp things and also get stains from tea, coffee, juice.
5 Easy Steps To Trim Laminate Countertop Using The Router Bit
If you feel that your kitchen is looking tired and dull, then one of the best ways to freshen up your kitchen is to install laminate countertops, which are fairly inexpensive, but you need to make sure to get the installation right. It is essential to trim the edges of the newly installed laminate countertop, which can easily and quickly be done with the help of a router. However, in order to prevent damaging your new laminate, you have to use the proper technique. Getting the best possible cut requires clamps, straightedges, as well as sharp router bits. The type of bit to be used is totally dependent on the reason for the cut. Follow the below-mentioned simple & easy steps carefully in order to trim a laminate countertop & achieve the desired result of your work:
- Clean The Countertop: First of all, clean the countertop with the help of a whiskbroom. Wipe and clean the router's base plate as well. It is important that the router's base should move firmly through the uppermost point of the laminate in order to maintain a straight edge.
- Masking Tape: The next step is to put down a single layer of masking tape on the surface of the laminate through the router's path in order to keep away from scratching the laminate with the router's base as you trim the edge.
- Unplug The Router: After that, loosen up and clean out the router before you place, fit, or push your flush-cut bit. You need to use a straight bit when it comes to the bottom lip of the counter. Use a bevel bit for the top edge where the laminate pieces for the face, as well as the top, meet. A beveled edge will help minimize the risk of edge chipping on the finished countertop.
- Adjust The Cutting Depth: Now, it is time to fit the cutting depth on your router. The uppermost part of the bit's guide bearing should be at least 1/16 inch underneath the base edge of the laminate surface that you are trimming.
- Turn On The Router: Finally, turn the router on before you put down the router base flat in opposition to the laminate surface. Take hold of the router smoothly against the edge of the cabinet, and move it against the bit's direction of travel. Trim the entire edge using one continuous cut.