Sawing melamine coated particle board?

I have an extra shelf board that is covered with melamine on both large sides and on one edge. I was advised by a contractor to cut with the melamine side down but it's on both sides? I would mark both sides and cover with masking tape before sawing. Also, I do not have a table saw but I was planning on using my skilsaw. The edges I cut will not be visible in the closet. Thanks for tips.

 

Welcome to the forums.

The masking tape will help it from chipping.
A sharp blade will also cut more smoothly with less chipping.

 

A sharp finishing blade (40 or more teeth ) also will help. Clamp a straight edge to make a good cut.

 

Yes, all the above. You definitely need a "ultra fine finish" blade for your skilsaw. (Google 60 tooth 7 1/4") Ordinarily this is done on a panel saw or table saw with a dedicated "melamine blade" that is scary sharp on the outside edges.

Put the side that you will primarily see down. Tape the opposite side. Use a guide and clamp both ends so it can't move. (a 12" melamine shelf works well if you have any around) set the skilsaw depth of cut only 1/8 deeper than the material is... no more.

Tape the bottom of your saw so it doesn't mark the melamine. And as you push the saw try and make your cut in one smooth motion... not a bunch of starting and stopping. Have everything out of the way so you can walk along it as you cut, and keep your cord in one hand so it doesn't snag while you are cutting or come unplugged and force you to stop. As you reach the end of the cut, push the saw on through, following your guide.