Cutting a countertop- best tools

[GTT1]

Building a 5ft counter with sink for my wifes studio.

Home Depot sell 6 ft units and Rona sell 5ft units in stock. Trouble is I need 61". HD can't cut the 72 down to 61 as their saw takes maximum 12" width.

HD guy said use a skill saw but I am leary about trying with that. Thinking of using a jig saw cutting from top down to keep a nice clean edge but I may have to cut the front bullnose first with a saw. The backsplash will also need a saw. Probably think a hack saw will give the cleanest edge rather than a crosscut.

Anyone do this that can help out?

[monomono]

Laminate countertop? HD sells jigsaw blades specifically for cutting laminate. It makes a very clean cut, but the problem is getting a straight line. Personally I would take it to a custom countertop place and get them to cut it for you.

[tommyamaral]

For once the HD guy gave you some usefull advice,Yes you can use a skilsaw You must I repeat you must use some painters tape and put it around the countertop so nothing will chip.Mark your line on top of the tape and cut.If you aren't comfortable with a straight cut get a piece of straight 2x4,clamp it down to countertop and thats your guide for the skilsaw.Good luck

[Drthorne]

the newer Rona's with the cut shop can cut the laminate counter tops

[andr3y]

tommyamaral has some good advice.

make sure your skillsaw blade is sharp or go buy a new one. Then just draw a straight line on the masking tape and do the best you can.

[tommyamaral]

tommyamaral has some good advice.

make sure your skillsaw blade is sharp or go buy a new one. Then just draw a straight line on the masking tape and do the best you can.

Yes yes forgot to add the most important part "make sure your skillsaw blade is sharp"

[GTT1]

As I would have to buy a skil saw I think I will try using my jig saw with a new fine cut blade. Is it best to put masking tape on the laminate and hope this keeps the edge fairly clean?
The last time I saw a sink cut out at my previous house as I recall the cut edge was pretty smooth and the contractor cut from the top, he didn't use tape but the sink would cover a rough edge though.

[monomono]

You have to buy a blade specifically for laminate. They have teeth in the opposite direction so the laminate doesn't get chipped.

[Drthorne]

You have to buy a blade specifically for laminate. They have teeth in the opposite direction so the laminate doesn't get chipped.

http://www.toolbarn.com/images/bosch/t101br100.jpg

[sunjwd]

Lowe's (the one near me is at Major Mackenzie near Dufferin)
will give you one cut free with purchase.
They have a big rack saw that I am convinced can hold a rectangular countertop.
You can phone them and ask if that free one cut can apply to
countertops. (What I like about Lowe's is that you actually can
get people on the phone.)

[redflagdog]

cut it a little longer and then use a beltsander to get it to the exact line

[GTT1]

Really appreciate the input from everyone. So today I am looking at the counter in my extra washroom and it has this edge which is 1 1/2 wide next to the wall and I recall seeing these pieces for sale with the in stock counters. Looked at them and it seems using one of these side pieces plus the 60 inches gives me 61.5 " and this gives me 1/2 " over at the open edge. So problem re cutting the unit is solved as I can just buy the 5' piece.

Re the special blade for laminate I will try to find one that will fit my 30 year old Black & Decker. Looked in Rona but didn't see a blade that said it was for laminate but now I know what to look for. HD is a longer drive but probably best to look there. They seem to have much more stock.

Can someone tell me the best way to cut the sink hole from experience. Is it best to fasten the counter to the cabinets and then cut it, or precut then turn it over and put in the sink. I saw a video that indicated it is much easier to attach the sink that way.

[andr3y]

Really appreciate the input from everyone. So today I am looking at the counter in my extra washroom and it has this edge which is 1 1/2 wide next to the wall and I recall seeing these pieces for sale with the in stock counters. Looked at them and it seems using one of these side pieces plus the 60 inches gives me 61.5 " and this gives me 1/2 " over at the open edge. So problem re cutting the unit is solved as I can just buy the 5' piece.

Re the special blade for laminate I will try to find one that will fit my 30 year old Black & Decker. Looked in Rona but didn't see a blade that said it was for laminate but now I know what to look for. HD is a longer drive but probably best to look there. They seem to have much more stock.

Can someone tell me the best way to cut the sink hole from experience. Is it best to fasten the counter to the cabinets and then cut it, or precut then turn it over and put in the sink. I saw a video that indicated it is much easier to attach the sink that way.

I would cut the hole for the sink after you have attached the contertop. This way you can make sure it is centered. If you are afraid to over cut the hole, just cut it safe size and then you can always cut the hole bigger if the sink doesn't fit in.

[700mb80min]

As far as cutting the sink hole , buy a template for the size of your sink . They are dirt cheap ( maybe $3-$5 ) .

[loudsubz]

1. You need a blade with allot of teeth for a smooth cut, something like a plywood blade
http://www.homedepot.ca/wcsstore/HomeDepotCanada/images/catalog/6fe68b2b-9d67-4e1f-aeaa-83566f37dbaa_4.jpg

2. You need to take the front of the counter, and CUT FROM THE BACK SIDE, as the way the blade spins on a circular saw, you are less likely to chip since the teeth are coming back INTO the counter and not coming OUT.

http://www.woodworkingtips.com/etips/etip022500wb.html

[GTT1]

As far as cutting the sink hole , buy a template for the size of your sink . They are dirt cheap ( maybe $3-$5 ) .

Template came with the sink box.

Picked up a masonite blade from HD so should be okay. Will fasten the counter down then mark with template, then put some boxes under the counter and build up to support the top so when I cut it it will not just fall through and splinter.

[loudsubz]

You don't need to go overboard with it, I cut my sink out in my countertop and just traced and cut, no biggie. It doesn't matter if it chips a bit as the sink will cover it.