Trimming counter end caps
#1
03-20-15, 07:47 PM
Trimming counter end caps
We are installing laminate countertops this week and the end caps have excess.
Is it really necessary that I buy a $100 tool to trim these? I won't ever use the tool again.
Can I purchase a router bit and use in my power drill?
Any other options?
Is it really necessary that I buy a $100 tool to trim these? I won't ever use the tool again.
Can I purchase a router bit and use in my power drill?
Any other options?
#3
03-20-15, 08:07 PM
Group Moderator
This can be done with a hand file - tedious, but doable.
No, do not put a router bit in your drill.
No, do not put a router bit in your drill.
#4
03-20-15, 08:38 PM
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The end caps should closely match the counter profile. A little filing is all that you should need.
If this is not the case, I would have issues with the vendor.
If you want to cut off excess without a laminate trimmer, it's hard to do. A plastic cut file will work, but takes practice.
The best I can describe it is this. Hold file at an angle where end cap meets top. Work from front to back. You are not filing at this point, you are cutting laminate aggressively with edge of file, being careful not to cut into top. You can cut a few inches at a time with short strokes.
Renting a laminate trimmer would be your best bet, even that has risks. The technique I described takes some many years to master.
If this is not the case, I would have issues with the vendor.
If you want to cut off excess without a laminate trimmer, it's hard to do. A plastic cut file will work, but takes practice.
The best I can describe it is this. Hold file at an angle where end cap meets top. Work from front to back. You are not filing at this point, you are cutting laminate aggressively with edge of file, being careful not to cut into top. You can cut a few inches at a time with short strokes.
Renting a laminate trimmer would be your best bet, even that has risks. The technique I described takes some many years to master.
#5
03-21-15, 07:40 AM
Member
If you do file it you'll need two differant files, one flat double cut and a rat tailed file.
The rat is for the inside curve.
Make sure to not try and do this with the top installed, far easier to reach the back splash without the wall in the way.
Always push the file toward the top, if not the end cap will come unglued.
The rat is for the inside curve.
Make sure to not try and do this with the top installed, far easier to reach the back splash without the wall in the way.
Always push the file toward the top, if not the end cap will come unglued.
#6
03-21-15, 11:48 AM
Thanks all. There is not very much to trim, less than a half inch. I am going to try the file on the inside area of the stove where I can hide damage and then rent if needed.
#7
03-23-15, 12:28 PM
So, what I ended up doing was using a pen to trace the end, and then cut them with scissors, then used the iron to glue it on. I then used the file to clean up the edges and it worked really well.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
