Laminate Gurus

Safari Tim · 02-09-2005, 09:56 PM

I decided to make a new kitchen counter top. I cut the ply to the size of the counter and laminated the whole thing.

Now I am not sure if I can cut the sink and stove openings with my jig saw w/o damaging the laminate.

Can I drill holes for the faucet?

**flyfshr** · 02-09-2005, 10:16 PM

Sure you can, use a fine tooth blade and go slowly. For the holes, use a pan bit and go slowly here too. You'll be fine.

FF

**Stefrobrts** · 02-09-2005, 10:27 PM

What's a pan bit? I'm going to be doing the same job in the next month or so.

**wahoonc** · 02-10-2005, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Safari Tim

I decided to make a new kitchen counter top. I cut the ply to the size of the counter and laminated the whole thing.

Now I am not sure if I can cut the sink and stove openings with my jig saw w/o damaging the laminate.

Can I drill holes for the faucet?

Tim,
Yes but make sure you use a SHARP bit, I prefer to use the Forstner style bits, as far as cutting the sink hole, cut from the back side and it will minimize chip out, of the laminate. Also just take it slow and easy and let the saw do the work. A sharp new blade is in order of the saw too.

Aaron

Tarheel · 02-10-2005, 08:41 AM

You can buy an inexpensive hole saw and make the holes for the faucets. If you want to cut from the top put down masking tape and layout the hole onto the tape. Even if you do get some chipping you will have a minumum of .375" of lip to cover it. Just be certain to make a template of your sink opening to use for making your cut. Its not as bad as it seems.

ALANSD · 02-10-2005, 01:21 PM

I lay out the blue masking tape, draw my lines on it, and cut through it. That way you don't chip the laminate at all. I use the laminate blade so it only cuts on the downstroke.

Safari Tim · 02-10-2005, 11:45 PM

Just to let you all know, I tried all these ideas and it worked great.

I marked out the stove and sink cut outs using the original counter as a template.

I used a new 1" paddle bit and drilled out the corners and the faucet mounting holes.

Then I put the blue tape down and marked the lines for the sink and stove on the tape and used a new fine toothed laminate blade. I went fairly slowly.

Result was a great cut and no chips in the laminate.

Thanks for all the help! It turned out more worry than work.

ALANSD · 02-11-2005, 05:23 AM

great! I was amazed how easy this was with a few simple tips. My kitchen and bathroom now look great .

Tarheel · 02-11-2005, 06:41 AM

Glad you had sucess, its a great feeling to plan a project and see it all come together.