Cutting laminate worktop

[camallison]

I am refurbishing our utility room and need to cut new 28mm laminate worktop to size. What is the best way? I seem to remember cutting with the circular saw blade showing by one tooth depth on the other side and to cut from the reverse side to limit chipping of the top surface. Is this correct and do I need to do anything else to prevent damage?

Colin

[Ktuludays]

As you say cut upside down, make sure saw blade is in good condition.

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[dewaltdisney]

I use masking tape all around front and back. It shows the cut lines better and sometimes it can help to score the laminate before hand along the lines. All belt and braces stuff really.

DWD

[Rorschach]

Might be worth investing in a new blade too, a few quid for a new blade is a lot cheaper than a new piece of worktop.

[ayjay]

Is this correct and do I need to do anything else to prevent damage?

As already said, upside down with not too much tooth showing below the cut - and also well supported, a flexible "bench" can cause binding and will almost certainly result in chipping.

[big-all]

also front to back
both halves fully supported and level so no weight or stress on the join to avoid ripping rubbing or chipping in the last few inches
ok ajay beat me too it

[camallison]

Thanks chaps! New blade on order and straight edge plus clamps already waiting. I plan to support the 2 halves on a pair of workmates too. Go slow and don't push it is my motto.

Regards,

Colin

[arco_iris]

Go slow and don't push it is my motto.

Late to the party, I know, but for others chancing upon this thread:

28mm worktop is not too onerous to cut manually by hand. Apply masking tape to the place to be cut, measure and mark with a pencil carefully with a straight edge. Support the sheet as described, face side up and the nosing farthest away from you.

With a sharp new 20/22" hand saw (cheaper than a circular blade) start to saw very carefully at the nose, downward strokes; then continue with steady strokes, using effort on the down and draw back lightly on the return, following your marked line steadily.

Reckon I could do it in the same time as it takes to set up the other way using a machine, and cheaper!

[camallison]

Go slow and don't push it is my motto.

Late to the party, I know, but for others chancing upon this thread:

28mm worktop is not too onerous to cut manually by hand. Apply masking tape to the place to be cut, measure and mark with a pencil carefully with a straight edge. Support the sheet as described, face side up and the nosing farthest away from you.

With a sharp new 20/22" hand saw (cheaper than a circular blade) start to saw very carefully at the nose, downward strokes; then continue with steady strokes, using effort on the down and draw back lightly on the return, following your marked line steadily.

Reckon I could do it in the same time as it takes to set up the other way using a machine, and cheaper!

Unfortunately, I have muscle damage and weakness in my arms, so can handle my circular saw against a straight edge, but cannot saw by hand. Thanks for the tip though.

Regards,

Colin