I need to make multiple cuts in a 12′ long laminate countertop that has a backsplash. Any advice for a clean cut?
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What kind of cut?
Is the top already installed?
Trying to catch me riding dirty.
As in sink and stove cutouts? I use a Bosch jig saw with down cutting blades. I also use masking tape around the cuts to see the lines and avoid marring the laminate. Should have made the cuts before the back splash however as it might be tight to get the jig saw in close enough.
i have cut alot of tops from the under side .if the sink is to close to the backsplash
have even used a sawsall for one. the sink was to big for the top it was the only way . but that was just for the cut @the backsplash
I have even mitred counter tops with a backsplash using a circular saw
guess it is all in the setup and quality of the blade
going to get a lot of greif about using a sawsall (Hack) but a carpenter is meant to create soulutions onsite
I'm guilty of that as well. ;-) I guess it depends on the size of the top. It's not easy flipping around a 12' top with a 7' wing on it. I haven't done a post-formed top since the 80's but we used to have a guy that owned a beam saw to cut them to length for us. Granite tops are all the rage nowadays so I don't have to mess with them anymore.
I'm just as guilty as anyone of using various cutting devices for sinks & cooktops. Whatever's handy, I prefer a circ saw and finishing with a jiggy, but there are those times when a recip is the only way to get close to the splash. Generally the sinks will have a 1/2 in. coverage all around -except the most inexpensive stainless- so I'm pretty confident of making a clean cut. Heck, I've even used my trusty rotozip for the tough cuts.
Cutting the top upside down with a good sharp blade, starting at the front, as was mentioned, works best for me. Straightedges and a belt sander helps to provide some additional security for a nice clean fit.Neither cold, nor darkness will deter good people from hastening to the dreadful place to quench the flame. They do it not for the sake of reward or fame; but they have a reward in themselves, and they love one another.
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I was watching this old house and they had a tip to prevent cracking formica countertop at the four corners of the sink.They laid out an outline of the sink cutout and in all four corners they drilled holes with a spade bit 1/2 or 3/4" I think.They then cut on the lines with a skil saw or jig saw.The theory is that a sharp 90 angle corner is more likely to crack. Drilling holes in the corners reduces the chances of cracking.^^^^^^
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Flip over, cut from the backside, entering from the front and exit at the rear. Down cut through the backside. All with a circular saw, straight edge and a whole lotta steady. Backfill areas with no buildup.
Belt sand any imperfections. You can probably dress up a strong eighth w/o too much work. If installing an end cap, might investigate using a router and a deep straightcutting bit. You'd have to go at that from the backside to and use a real straight edge.
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I would generally use a router-No tear-out.
how do ya use a router if the top is in place and the sink is large ?
Lam trimmer with offset base will get real close to back-splash. Sink too large? Cut the hole bigger. Flip smaller tops , drill holes in corners and cut with skil-saw.
If none of the other options works for the side near the backsplash, maybe a Multi-Master will work.