QA

How To Cut Formica Sheets

What tool do you use to cut Formica?

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.

How do you cut Formica sheets without chipping?

If you’re forced to cut a laminate sheet from the front with a power saw, you can avoid chipping by laying masking tape along the cutline, sawing through the tape, and removing it after you’re done. You can further minimize chipping by using a plywood-cutting blade with a large number of teeth.

Can I cut Formica with a utility knife?

The utility knife is an ideal tool for cutting the Formica countertop. The actual blade will need to be sharpened from time to time, and it should always be handled with care. When using a utility knife, make sure to use only one hand and keep the other hand free at all times.

How do you cut a Formica sheet by hand?

Can you cut Formica with a table saw?

You can use any type of saw blade to cut a laminate countertop with a table saw but some people like using a carbide blade, fine tooth blade, or a jigsaw blade. Carbide-tipped blades and fine-tooth blades will give you the most accurate cuts and are more durable than other types.

Can you cut laminate sheets with scissors?

You need heavy-duty scissors to cut laminate sheeting. 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.

What is the best saw blade for cutting Formica?

What blade should I use to cut laminate countertop? If you use a circular saw, it’s best to use a fine-toothed narrow blade with at least 40 teeth. When it comes to cutting laminate countertop, blades with carbide tips usually last longer than regular steel.

Can you cut Formica with a jigsaw?

Formica is best cut with a fine-tooth carbide circular saw or jigsaw blade. If you start cutting from the back side, the saw teeth can leave a chipped or jagged edge on the finished surface. Lay a piece of masking tape along your cutting line to help reduce chipping on the top of the Formica.

How many teeth do I need to cut laminate?

Blades for Laminate Flooring Interestingly the same aluminum oxide is used to make industrial grade sandpaper! In view of this, a thin kerf, 80 to 100 tooth, carbide-tipped blade is most effective for cutting laminates and will last for about 1000 sqft before needing to be re-sharpened.

Can you cut laminate with a razor blade?

Vinyl tile cutting boards will also cut laminate tile material, since vinyl and laminate are similar. The blade on the tool is essentially a large razor blade installed on a board that has a leverage bar attached. When pulled or pushed, this lever presses the blade down, forcing it to cut through the laminate tile.

How do I cut Formica edges without a router?

Work with a team and lower the laminate over the counter so the edges and pattern are all lined up. Press out any air pockets with a laminate roller to ensure a complete seal. Trim the edges with a fine-toothed handsaw, jigsaw or a file. Repeat the process to install the trim pieces on the edges of the countertop.

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 a paper cutter cut laminate?

Rotary Paper Cutter & Trimmers These machines make great plastic laminate cutters. Rotary paper cutters and laminate trim cutters make cutting paper and lamination jobs easy, precise, and consistent.

What is a 40 tooth saw blade used for?

Crosscut blades, made for cutting across the woodgrain (across the face of a board), have between 40 and 80 teeth and are designed for clean cuts. Smaller gullets separate the teeth. Combination blades can make both rip cuts and crosscuts.

Which side of laminate do you cut?

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.

How can I hide laminate edges?

You can purchase a separate branded edging product – like IdealEdge®– that adheres to the side of your laminate countertops. Edging products allow you to upgrade from flat edges to a variety of other edge profiles – and they hide the brown lines. Edging treatments are easy for DIY’ers to install.

Do you have to cut the tongue of the first row of laminate?

Place the first plank with the tongue side towards the wall, being sure to allow 1/8″ for expansion. We recommend cutting off the tongue on this first row to avoid any problem with the expansion gap. If it is too short, cut a new plank in half and use one half to start the second row.

How do you cut laminate with a jigsaw?

Use the starter holes to start the interior cut. Insert the jigsaw blade inside the hole, aligning the blade with the cutting line while keeping the show flat against the laminate countertop. Turn on the jigsaw and let the blade get up to speed, then steadily move the blade against the material.