Hello, Not sure if I'm referring to it correctly. But I've an emergency job to carry out in the next week. I'm looking to cut a countertop that's got laminate on it? I'm aware that there's the possibility of it cracking if not done right?

Let's see, I've got a hand saw and a Black and Decker Circular Saw with a 7 1/4" blade. Would this be suitable for such a job? Any suggestions? I've read here someplace somebody mentioning how we should put masking tape along the cutting line (on the laminate side of course).

Am I making sense here? Any suggestions would truly be appreciated!

many thanks

I just cut the sinkhole two weeks ago in our new preformed Wilsonart Laminate countertop. Yes, you do want to mask the line (build it up with a couple of layers, and go wider than you need to so that you don't scuff the laminate with the metal guide for the saw), and pay extra special attention to your measurements if cutting a sink hole. Use the template and check and double check things. You definitely don't want to see little half-moons of space leftover in the corners when you plop your sink in there. If in doubt, cut less material out in the corners at first. You can always trial fit the sink in and remove more material later.

I wouldn't use a circular saw to do that job. You should use a jigsaw with a special laminate blade. You can buy a package of two for a couple of bucks at your local hardware store. If you're just cutting a straight line on laminate somewhere (not doing a sink) you can also use a router with a laminate trimming bit. Use a straight-edge while cutting if the area of the cut is going to be exposed (ie: on the end of a counter and it won't be covered up by the lip of a sink).

[This message has been edited by JayF (edited November 25, 2002).]

If use a circular saw, cut with the laminate side down to avoid checking the laminate. Circular saw cut upwards. Use a clamp down straight edge for a good cut.

many thanks. I'd ended up getting a decent blade for our circular saw which was meant for laminates, plastics and plywood. It gave a really clean cut. The problem lied in having a steady hand.

Now I know for the next time. That is if there ever is a next time.