QA

Quick Answer: How To Trim A Formica Countertop

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.

How do you trim 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.

What is the best tool to cut Formica with?

Circular Saw or Track Saw is the best tools to cut Formica. The power of both saws can cut through the thin and thick layers of Formica.

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 score and snap Formica?

Move the laminate so that the score mark is aligned with one edge of your work table. Lift up on the end opposite the piece you will be using. Snap it downward to break the laminate along the score line. Set the unused portion of the laminate sheet aside.

How do you cut a laminate countertop without a router?

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 router bit do you use to trim Formica?

The 41-502 unique cutting geometry produces an ultra-smooth finish on laminate edges. Ideal for countertop-grade laminates including Formica, Wilsonart and similar materials. Use on Hand-held routers, table-mounted portable routers, and laminate trimmers for trimming plastic laminate.

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.

Is Formica hard to cut?

The biggest problem with cutting Formica is its tendency to chip. If you use a dull blade or saw, or if you cut Formica going away from you without adequate support, it will chip badly. Even if you use a fine blade and support the laminate on both sides, you still run the risk of chipping.

What blade should I 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 Dremel cut laminate countertop?

The 565 Multipurpose Cutting Kit allows for sturdy, controlled cuts in a variety of materials, including drywall, laminate, fiberglass, plastic and vinyl siding. The easy screw-on mounting system allows you to install the Dremel cutting kit to your rotary tool in seconds.

Is a laminate trimmer the same as a router?

A laminate trimmer (or trimming router) is a small version of a wood router, normally used to trim laminate such as Formica. It generally has a 1/4-inch collet. Typical laminate trimmers spin their bits at up to 30,000 RPM. Some models provide variable speed control.

How do you cut and join a laminate countertop?

Measure and cut the laminate countertops to the desired size. When connecting two pieces along a run, such as in a galley kitchen, make the cuts straight across at a 90 degree angle. For joining in a corner, the pieces should be cut at a 45 degree angle. Sand down any rough edges with a sander or file.

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.

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 countertops with a Dremel?

A Dremel rotary tool is an adventure in a box. Trimming a countertop is a precision job that is perfect for the Dremel and its novice user. Cut a straight line and sand the edges. Sounds easy, but remember–let the tool do the work for you.