How do you cut a formica top counter?

Question

The underside just looks like particle board and then it has a thin layer of formica? I guess it is. Can I just use a circular saw on it or will that ruin the formica top? It is too long for the wall it is going on.

Answer 1

You can use a circular saw, but you must use a blade that is designed to make a fine cut. A saw blade with at least 60 teeth would be a good choice. Don't try to push the saw. Go very slowly. It would also be a good idea to place some tape on the foot of the circular saw so it doesn't leave a mark on the Formica. After making the cut you can use a router with a laminate trim bit to smooth out any rough edges.

After all of this is done, you will be left with an exposed edge. Most all home improvement stores sell trim kits to re-finish the exposed edges. You apply a bit of contact cement to the exposed edge and some to the laminate piece included in the kit. Apply the laminate piece to the exposed edge, roll it down with a laminate roller and trim with a laminate trim router bit.

Answer 2

Put tape on the face of the top. Use a fine tooth blade in a circular saw. I would cut it from the back side. This will make it easier to cut and less likely to chip. I usually s***w some scrap to the bottom and the back splash as a guide with some short screws.

Answer 3

circular saw is the way to go. set your blade depth so it is only about 1/4 inch deeper than you need. use wide masking tape to cover the line you are cutting. this will prevent the top laminate layer from chipping. it is also a good idea to cover the table of the saw with tape to prevent it from scratching as it slides across your top. if you need to get a better fit in the back- use a belt sander(with belt rotating down)to match the contours of the wall. good luck!

Answer 4

yeah, i agree, all good answers, and ones i needed to know myself, so thanks for asking that question.

Answer 5

All good answers, I'll just move on with 2 points.

Answer 6

Apply a good masking tape on the formica where you need to make the cut to keep it from chipping and use a fine tooth blade on your saw. Cut from the back side if you can. If you must cut from the formica side, cut very slow and steady to minimize chipping.

Answer 7

You can probably use a circular saw if you use a fine toothed blade made for formica. Put a piece of tape down where you are going to cut and mark the cut line on the tape. Go slow and let the blade do the cutting, not the pushing of the saw.  Another way is to use a jigsaw with a formica blade, but that would take a bit longer.

Answer 8

use a sabre saw with a blade made for cutting formica.  Clamp a straight edge to the top if you are worried about cutting a straight line that far.  don't forget the offset you'll need for the edge of the foot plate to the saw blade.

Good luck

Answer 9

If possible, cut it from underneath with a circular saw. Best of all would be cutting on a table saw. Tape **may** help to prevent chipping, but it's not guarantee. If you can set it up so that you can make a nice, straight cut with a circular saw from underneath then you will not have to worry about chipping.

Reciprocating saws, like a sabre saw, or even a sawzall, can work, but if the blade catches at all it will easily chip the laminate on the down stroke of the blade.

If you can, set it up so that you are guiding the saw with a straightedge and you might even want to score the laminate on top to help prevent chipping.