A laminate countertop is made of particle board and they’re typically quite thick. Cutting particle board has a few challenges such as chipping so it’s important to choose the right tool for the job. Therefore, today I will explain what can be used to cut a laminate countertop.
In general, you can use a hand saw, a table saw, a circular saw, a Japanese pull saw, a router, and a jigsaw to cut a laminate countertop. A circular saw, and a jigsaw are the easiest to use. To reduce chipping, put masking tape or painters tape on either side of the cut.
To get the best cut there are a few tips for using each method. In this article, I will cover how well each of these tools works to cut a laminate countertop, as well as, various tips and tricks where applicable to get the best looking cut.
What Can You Use to Cut Laminate Countertop?
When you buy a laminate countertop from a big store or hardware store it’s often not cut to exactly the right dimensions. You can also need to cut out a part in the interior for the sink or other fixtures like a hole for power cables. Cutting it with something so you get the best edge is a big advantage, so here’s what can be used to cut a laminate countertop.
Generally, you can use a jigsaw, table saw, circular saw, a hand saw, a Japanese pull saw, or a router to cut a laminate countertop. It’s best to put painters tape or masking tape on either side of the cut to reduce the risk of it chipping.
There are certain guidelines for using each of these types of saws, and there are a few different types of laminate countertops. For example, when using a router it’s a good idea to make three separate cuts with the router making a deeper cut each time. Below, I will explain the best way to cut a countertop using each of these tools to get the straightest, cleanest cut.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using Jigsaw?
A jigsaw is good for cutting curves in wood and other materials, as well as straight lines. Before using one on a laminate countertop it’s important to know if it will do a good job or isn’t suitable. So, here’s the long and short of if a jigsaw can be used to cut a laminate countertop.
In general, you can cut a laminate countertop using a jigsaw. A jigsaw is well suited to cutting a laminate countertop. To cut a section in the middle of a laminate countertop it’s necessary to drill a hole to allow you to have a space to put the jigsaw blade and begin cutting.
A jigsaw can be used to cut the edges of a laminate countertop, as well as, the interior of a laminate countertop. When cutting a laminate countertop it’s best to put a strip of masking tape or painters tape on either side of the cut to make it less likely to chip.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using Table Saw?
A table saw is typically used for large sheets, where it’s difficult to make a complete cut with a handheld saw, or chop saw. Laminate countertops are generally quite thick, and made of a unique material. So, here’s an explanation about whether you can cut a laminate countertop using a table saw.
Overall, you can cut a laminate countertop using a table saw. To avoid chipping, cut the countertop with the laminated side facing up. It’s also recommended to tape the cut line using painters tape or masking tape to reduce the chance of chipping.
A table saw can make the cut in one pass, so set the blade at a height that will cut completely through your laminate countertop. Cutting an interior section is much easier using a jigsaw, or a router.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using Circular Saw?
A circular saw also called a buzz saw is a common hand held power saw that makes light work of wood, and similar density materials. But, is it possible to cut a laminate countertop using a circular saw?
As a general rule, you can use a circular saw to cut a laminate countertop. It’s best to use a saw blade that has around 60 teeth rather than an all purpose blade that has around 24 teeth. But, it’s best to use a jigsaw to make cuts on the interior of a countertop, rather than a buzz saw.
You should also put masking tape or painters tape along the cut to help stop chipping. When using a circular saw it’s easier to use a guide to make it easier. A guide is a fairly large piece of wood such as a 2×4 that you place on the side of the cut.
Generally, you can hold it in place using C clamps, or G clamps. It will give the circular saw more stability and make it easier.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using a Knife?
A serrated knife can cut through a surprising amount of things, especially one that is particularly high quality. A countertop is not made of the densest material. Therefore, here’s whether a laminate countertop can be cut using a knife.
In general, it’s not possible to cut a laminate countertop using a knife. A laminate countertop is too thick to cut with a knife. Also, if you score the top, and then attempt to snap it, it will generally provide a very rough finished edge, and is not recommended.
You should use a jigsaw, buzz saw, hand saw or table saw to cut a laminate countertop. A knife is too ineffective that it will take far too much time, and won’t provide a clean edge.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on May 5, 2022.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using a Router?
A router is great for making partial cuts that don’t go through the whole thickness of the material you’re cutting. But, they can also be used to cut completely through something. It’s important to use a tool that will work effectively to cut a laminate countertop, so this is if a router can be used to cut a laminate countertop.
Overall, you can cut a laminate countertop using a router. For an average sized laminate countertop that is 1.57 inches (4 cm) thick, do three cuts with a router. One that is about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), a second one that is 1 inch (2.6 cm), and the last one to go completely through.
This will put the least strain on your router, however, it does require you to be very precise with each cut. A jigsaw, or buzzsaw is generally easier because you can make each cut in one cut. Rather than doing multiple cuts.
Can You Cut a Laminate Countertop Using a Dremel?
A dremel is a handy tool to have around that is very versatile. It also has many different attachments that can be used instead of the saw blade. However, is it possible to cut through a laminate countertop using a dremel?
In general, you can use a dremel to cut a laminate countertop. But, it’s best to use a router attachment. However, most router attachments for dremels are too short to cut an average sized countertop which is about 1.57 inches (4 cm).
It may be possible you have a thinner laminate countertop. In that case you may be able to find a router attachment for your dremel that is long enough to cut completely through your countertop.
How to Cut Laminate Countertop Properly
A laminate countertop will be seen often, so it’s best to cut it in the cleanest way, and with the least effort. Reducing chipping is also a big factor with cutting a laminate countertop so here’s how to cut a laminate countertop properly
In general, always cut from the underside to avoid chipping, and use a buzz saw, or jigsaw. Mark out the cut using a square tool and a ruler, then apply masking tape or painters tape to each side of the cut. Using two 2×4 pieces of wood secured with clamps as guides is very helpful with a buzz saw.
For interior cuts you need to drill a hole to fit the blade of the jigsaw. But, mark out the cut in the same way using a straightedge and a ruler. Apply masking tape or painters tape, and then make the cut.
If the hole is for cables, drill a wide hole using a spade bit, or a hole saw drill bit. If it’s a very large hole for a circular sink then use a jigsaw.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on May 5, 2022.
Overall, a jigsaw, or circular saw are the easiest and best to use to cut a laminate countertop. But, a table saw, hand saw, Japanese pull saw, and a router can also be used. To reduce chipping, always cut from the underside of the laminate countertop.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on May 5, 2022.