cutting formica countertop- How To cut Formica Countertops,cutting Formica countertops by yourself explained
Cutting Formica countertop is sometimes needed, when we install new appliances in the kitchen. If you buy a new refrigerator it is often wider, so you have no choice but to cut your Formica countertop. The cutting of Formica countertops can be done easier if you can unscrew the countertop and move it away from the wall. This could be a problem, because countertops are often both glued and screwed to the cabinets or moving is impossible because of the plumbing of the sink.
Tools needed to cut the Formica countertop are a circular saw and a jig saw. You can cut off most of the counter with the circular saw and make the final cut to the wall with the jig saw. You can also cut the whole distance of the countertop with a jig saw, but it's dangerous that the cut won't be good.
Before you start the cutting you should protect the surface of the countertop with putting a masking tape over the cutting line. This will help avoid chipping and splintering the plastic of the countertop. You can also additionally protect the countertop by laying down additional strips of tape which will help to prevent scratching the countertop at the cutting process.
When you start cutting, you should use the rip fence of the circular saw to assure the best cut possible. Watch the line and cut slowly and steadily. If you make a mistake and the cutting line is not perfect, use a belt sander to fix it.
It is impossible to cut all the way to the wall, because the cut is limited by its base. So it is best to use a jig saw to finish off the cut. Jig saw should have a special laminate cutting blade to assure the best cut possible. This final cut is the hardest, so its best that you cut a little bit away from the line and fix with a belt sander if necessary.
After you've finished cutting you should do the cleanup work. Use a rough metal file to do this. Filling should be done in a downward direction, because if you don't you could separate the laminate from the substrate. After that use sandpaper to cute the edge at 45 degrees to give it a round feeling. Then you can put in the stove and your improved Formica countertop is ready to use.