QA

Quick Answer: How To Cut Formica Countertops

What is the best tool to cut Formica?

Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces. Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw. Cut out the shape’s form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. Install the Formica onto the countertop or other location.

How do you cut Formica countertops without chipping?

To cut through laminate countertops, you can use a hand saw, but a circular saw makes the job much quicker. Because a circular saw can produce jagged edges and chip the laminate, your best bet is to lay the laminate face-side down and cut from the back to the front.

Can you cut Formica with a utility knife?

A utility knife can be used to make scoring cuts on Formica. Formica brand plastic laminate is most commonly used to cover countertops, cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Since all plastic laminates are essentially the same, cutting Formica with a utility knife is identical to cutting most laminates.

How do I cut Formica without a router?

Use 100-grit sandpaper to clean up any imperfections and create a smooth surface. Wipe away the dust with a tack cloth. Cut the laminate sheeting down to size to fit the countertop with a circular saw or a fine-toothed handsaw. Give yourself an extra inch on both dimensions — you can trim the excess later.

What kind of blade do you use to cut laminate countertop?

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 Formica with scissors?

Laminate is surprisingly easy to cut. A pair of large, sharp scissors will do the trick. To avoid mistakes, always be sure to measure twice before cutting once.

Can you cut a laminate countertop with a table saw?

The perfect method for cutting laminate is to use a table saw but ensure there’s a 60-tooth carbide blade. You have to have a high tooth count on the blade to make an impeccable cut. For cutting, it’s crucial that the blade cuts down into the laminate into its face.

Can laminate be cut with a utility knife?

You can use several tools to cut laminates, including a table saw or handheld power saw, a utility knife, a router or a hand slitter. The best cutting approach depends on whether you’re rough cutting or finishing edges.

How many teeth do I need to cut laminate?

Diamond-tipped blades that are made for laminate and fiber cement usually have a low number of teeth to reduce the dust produced by cutting cement. However, typical circular and miter saw blades that are used for laminate will have 80 to 100 teeth for fine, precision cutting.

What is a laminate knife?

A laminated steel blade or piled steel is a knife, sword, or other tool blade made out of layers of differing types of steel, rather than a single homogeneous alloy.

How do you cut veneer without chipping?

Score the cut line with a sharp razor blade. This cuts the veneer and helps reduce chipping. Run tape across the cut line in order to support the veneer and reduced chipping from tear out. Use a clean blade that’s designed specifically for cutting veneers.

How do you cut melamine without chipping a hand saw?

To cut melamine or laminate boards without chipping, your saw must be equipped with a double-sided laminate / melamine blade. These blades are specially designed for cutting and at the same time minimize chipping. Before making your cuts, get your table sawed as best you can.

What is the best tool to cut a laminate worktop?

What is the best tool to cut a laminate worktop? A circular saw is often the best option to cut laminate worktops. Make sure the blade is sharp (replace the blade if you have been using it for a while) and suitable for fine cuts—it should cut through the worktop without any issue.

Can I use an oscillating tool to cut laminate countertops?

Make the cut To prevent damaging the laminate countertop, use a reverse-cutting jigsaw blade. These blades have teeth that cut on the downstroke instead of the upstroke. In these instances, use a fine-tooth blade in an oscillating multitool.

What are reverse jigsaw blades used for?

Reverse-tooth blades cut on the downstroke, minimizing chip-out on the face side of a workpiece when you must put the best face up during cuts. Making a sink cutout in a countertop calls for one of these blades.

How can I cut my worktop without chipping?

When cutting a kitchen worktop it is best if you cut it upside down, this is because the teeth on the blade cut on the way up, so there is much less chance of chipping the worktop. Some people draw a line on the worktop and then score it a few times using a sharp knife, then apply some masking tape.

Can I use a hand saw to cut laminate?

Sawing your boards can actually be done with a regular handsaw. Make a small cut first and then saw on! It’s ideal for shortening laminate boards. Some tips to make it easier: put your saw line as close as possible to your bearing surface and don’t forget to firmly hold the piece you’re sawing off.

How do you cut a countertop that is already installed?

Here’s how to do it: Prep your area. Adjust your saw blade depth down to 1/8th of an inch. Cut your Formica countertop. Continue to cut the countertop. Remove the cut portions of your countertop. Take a belt sander or a sanding block, and smooth out the edges of the laminate.

Can you use a table saw to cut countertop?

Therefore, you could use a table saw, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw or a jigsaw (ideal for curved cuts). As far as the blade is concerned, you should choose one with a fine high teeth count and long enough to cut trough the counter top (if it is also carbide tipped it would be great).

What can I use to cut laminate?

In fact, you can cut the planks using a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, hand saw or laminate cutter. However, using a diamond blade is recommended as laminate can be tough to cut through and may damage another type of blade. Typically, you will cut with the finished side up.