Have to slice a bit off where I removed an old inset hob. So I have no straight edge to follow with me new circular saw :( Guess I could rig up a batten on the worktop itself and follow that?

Which way up should I have this Formica worktop and which side should I start cutting first – the back or front edge?

Cheers

D

if you want a really neat edge try a router although you will have to remove the work top to do this.

Cant you use the front or back as a straight edge? stick tape down on both sides (top and bottom) then cut. so you cut the tape aswel this stops the wood spliting when you cut.

find a straight edge and fix it to your work top then run the saw along it.

I would say you want the formica face down and cut from the front. That way the teeth cut into the formica and are less likely to chip it. You probably need to use a fine toothed blade not a ripping blade. Clamp a batten to the worktop to use as a straight edge and tape the cutting line. Try all this on a piece you don't mind wrecking first as the proper way is to use a router really.

I have managed to get a good (chip free) cut using a downcutting (i.e. laminate suface uppermost) jigsaw blade designed for the job but I still had to use a surform to tidy up the edge by hand which took ages.

You can hire routers and cutting guides if you really want to get it right.

Formica side down, and from the front. SHARP blade, type not that important.
Clamp batten to worktop, and don't force the saw, let it cut....take your time.
Alcazar

Thanks guys. Lotsa top tips ;)

Would a router be useful for the next job of hanging an ext door? Cant face the mess I'd make hacking a slot for a mortice lock!

D

yes router would be perfect for chopping out slots for a mortice lock if you hire one ask for some advice about setting it up and using it.
Although it is essentialy a glorified drill it is a much more useful tool especially for cabinet makers and serious joiners

jigsaw worked well last time I cut a hole in a worktop..

David

[Edited by David_Wallis - 6/6/2003 4:17:31 PM]

Jigsaws are fine for little jobs ..but if the timber is more than 2cm thick the chances are the blade will bend!! causing an angled edge.......... A router and jig is the best way.

Alternativley invest in a 'ROTOZIP' rather than hiring a router. I got mine last month, have yet to find a job it does not lend itself too !!

use a stanley knife to score through the formica (score all the way through it) on the cut line before you use the saw. cut to the waste side of the line and you'll have no probs.

you could always cut the top 1 mm to long and plane it back to the score line.