Do-it-yourselfers can fabricatelaminate countertopsmore easily than with othercountertop materialssince it is relatively soft.
No special cutting tools or techniques are required.
Warning
Unplug the saw before adjusting it or changing its blade.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Wear breathing protection, safety glasses, and hearing protection.
Cut the laminate from underneath to reduce the chance of decorative surface chipping.
Tip
Avoid cutting too slowly or stalling the cut as this will gnaw away at the laminate.
Slow cuts, too, are more difficult to control and keep straight.
Cut at a steady pace.
Sink cutouts should be cut with a jigsaw.
Cut the laminate from the top since curves and angles are difficult to duplicate on the back.
To reduce decorative surface chipping, fit the jigsaw with a special down-cutting (or laminate) blade.
Jigsaws ordinarily cut on the up-stroke, so the blade’s teeth point upward.
But this action loosens and chips the laminate surface.
A blade with teeth that point downward is less prone to chipping the surface.
With the laminate’s decorative side facing up, run sandpaper lengthwise along the cut edge to remove burrs.
Avoid scratching the decorative surface.
When using a metal file, execute the file perpendicular to the cut line and at a backward angle.
Holding the file vertically may loosen and chip the laminate surface.
The electric circular saw should be used for long, straight cuts.
The electric jigsaw should be used for curves and corners.
Cut laminate countertops without chipping by cutting with the laminated side facing down.
No-Fuss DIY Tips: How to Cut and Bend Formica Laminate.Formica Corporation.
DIY Wilsonart Laminate Countertop Fabrication Guide.Wilsonart.
