Cutting Countertop Laminate
#1
01-31-15, 12:54 PM
Cutting Countertop Laminate
This may be the wrong place, so I apologize in advance.
I'm putting a piece of counter top laminate on a dresser top that got damaged. What is the best technique/tool to cleanly cut the laminate?
I'm putting a piece of counter top laminate on a dresser top that got damaged. What is the best technique/tool to cleanly cut the laminate?
#2
01-31-15, 01:45 PM
Group Moderator
If you are talking about after it is fastened to the dresser you will need a router with a flush cutting bit like in the picture.
#3
01-31-15, 01:59 PM
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Usually the laminate is applied to top with excess overhang, then trimmed. This requires a router (small laminate trimmer) and special bits. So cutting a piece to fit and making a very clean cut is not important.
If you want to cut a piece to size before gluing, that's tough. The laminate is very hard.
If you have a router, you can trim it to size with a sharp bit using a straightedge.
No router, you can use a utility knife. This is tough to do. Your straightedge must be secured tightly so blade doesn't wander. You have to cut gently and take many passes to cut through. Take your time and use a carbide blade.
Any sharp edges can be filed. You should use a file made for plastic. Sandpaper block will work but is not ideal.
If you want to cut a piece to size before gluing, that's tough. The laminate is very hard.
If you have a router, you can trim it to size with a sharp bit using a straightedge.
No router, you can use a utility knife. This is tough to do. Your straightedge must be secured tightly so blade doesn't wander. You have to cut gently and take many passes to cut through. Take your time and use a carbide blade.
Any sharp edges can be filed. You should use a file made for plastic. Sandpaper block will work but is not ideal.
#5
01-31-15, 03:10 PM
This is the type of blade you would be looking for. Its not really a utility knife.
Shop Kobalt Plastic Laminate Scoring Cutter at Lowes.com
The head is wider and the carbide cutter tip is more V shaped to score the laminate. You score it several times along the same path.
A lot of guys will just use a jigsaw cuz no matter how you do it you will want to cut it a couple inches too big. Just cutting it to rough size doesn't have to be that precise.
Shop Kobalt Plastic Laminate Scoring Cutter at Lowes.com
The head is wider and the carbide cutter tip is more V shaped to score the laminate. You score it several times along the same path.
A lot of guys will just use a jigsaw cuz no matter how you do it you will want to cut it a couple inches too big. Just cutting it to rough size doesn't have to be that precise.
