Cutting kitchen worktop is often a task that worries some people, as long as the worktop is supported correctly and the correct technique is used cutting a kitchen worktop can be done with ease! A circular saw is very handy when cutting kitchen worktop to length as it will easily cut the thick chipboard as long as the blade is sharp. Even if you intend using a masons mitre on the worktop it is still a lot easier to cut the worktop to length first using the circular saw. There are two things that you have to watch out for when cutting a worktop, the first thing is chipping the laminate on the chipboard and the second is jamming the blade during cutting, how to avoid these potential problems will be covered below. When cutting a worktop it is advisable to wear safety goggles, dust mask and earing protection, please see PPE
When cutting a kitchen worktop it is best if you cut it upside down, this is because the teeth on the blade cut on the way up, so there is much less chance of chipping the worktop. Some people draw a line on the worktop and then score it a few times using a sharp knife, then apply some masking tape. This is not necessary if you turn the worktop upside down when cutting and use a sharp blade.
Cut the worktop from front to back, so that you exit the cut at the back of the worktop (the part that fits against the wall) Make sure you practice on a scrap piece before cutting the worktop as mistakes can be costly.
Once you have measured where you want to cut you need to clamp a straight edge onto the worktop, this will act as a guide and ensure that you get a 100% straight cut.
When cutting ensure you start the machine before touching the blade teeth on the material, or else you will chip the worktop and ruin it. Once you are cutting the material ensure that you go at a constant slow speed without forcing the machine through the material. Make certain that you can support the off cut piece, either with your hand or the help of another person. Take great care when exiting the cut as it is easy to damage the material when exiting.
