[jacksonpt]

I've got to do a little demo work here at the office. "They" have asked me to help them cut out a section of countertop from one of the office kitchens. It's formica over some sort of pressboard/particleboard stuff.

What's the best way to cut this stuff? I figured I'd use a circular saw and/or sawzall, but what type of blade should I use so the formica doesn't splinter? I'm only removing part of the countertop, so I need as clean of a cut as possible.

 

[eaterofdog]

If it's straight use a circ saw. If it's curved use a jigsaw. Maybe tape some cardboard to the bottom to avoid scratches. Make sure the blade has many fine, sharp teeth and work slow. If you don't, chip city.

 

[N8 v2.0]

what he said...


dont use a rip blade.

 

[McGRP01]

They make blades specifically for cutting formica/countertops. You can get them just about any hardware store....

 

[zedro]

I figured I'd use a circular saw and/or sawzall, but what type of blade should I use so the formica doesn't splinter?

unless your countertop happens to be a 6x6 fence post, i'd stay away from the Sawzall.....

....their destructive capacity is fun tho....

 

[jacksonpt]

unless your countertop happens to be a 6x6 fence post, i'd stay away from the Sawzall.....

....their destructive capacity is fun tho....

I'm just not sure how else to get up close to the wall. I figured I'd use a 2x4 as a guide to keep the circ saw on a stright line, but the circ can only get so close to the wall. Though, I'm not sure how much closer I'd be able to get with the sawzall now that I think about it...

 

[DRB]

definately put tape over where you are going to cut to minimize chipping.

 

[dan-o]

you'll need to use a fine-tooth mitre handsaw to finish up against the wall.

 

[hooples3]

use a jig saw.. with a fine blade made for countertops.. start it by drilling a hole

 

[kindtrails]

I am a licensed contractor who cuts this stuff all the time....use some painters masking tape, center it over your cut line (preferably the 1-1/2" wide blue tape) I would use a freud 40 tooth blade. and cut slowly. You will need to finish the cut with a sawzall or jigsaw.

 

[kindtrails]

by the way Zedro doesn't know what he is talking about..I am a surgeon with my super sawzall!

 

[Certified Drunk]

I'd use a chainsaw!
If you think about whats the difference between a jigsaw and a sawzall? blade goes up and down......

 

[T-Blazer]

Jigsaw is the way to go, and also put down some masking tape over your designated cut to prevent chipping in the formica.

Victor