Any DIY or contractors to answer countertop cutting query?
apc
Posts: 779
I need to cut off an inch or so of formica countertop. There appears to be pressboard underneath, not solid wood or MDF. We're installing a new fridge in an old house. Has anyone done this and care to offer advice?
I read where I'll should use a 40 tooth/inch sawblade. I should use masking tape over the area to arrest splitting. Any other sage wisdom?
I read where I'll should use a 40 tooth/inch sawblade. I should use masking tape over the area to arrest splitting. Any other sage wisdom?
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
Post edited by apc on
Comments
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I think that is about it. Slow and steady too. I have cut a few and with he masking tape you should be fine. Just take your time.
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Good advice so far. Given the TPI # it sounds like you're using a jigsaw? A circular saw might give a better cut if you can remove the counter to cut it. That way the teeth on the blade are going into the formica instead of coming out of it from the underside. Make sure you use good tape & be sure to press firmly when applying it. If it lifts, the formica will splinter.
-Dave -
Jigsaw with a straight edge clamped to the top. Cut a test piece of wood to determine the distance from the actual cut to the proper distance of the sraight edge. Use a "formica" blade available everywhere. Slow and steady cut.Parasound C1, T3, HCA-3500, HCA-2205A, P/DD1550, Pioneer DV-79avi, Oppo BDP-83, WD Media Server W/HDD,
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I was going to use my circular saw. The ref I saw the the TPI may not be what I should have for it. Counter cannot be removed...Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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If the counter can't be removed, how are you going to handle the backsplash & the last few inches the circ saw can't cut? I'm assuming since there is a fridge next to it this is up against a wall?
-Dave -
I'm told I have to use a jigsaw to get the part the circular saw cannot reach, but I know that's not right either. Looks like I'll be using a dovetail handsaw to complete the cut 'to the wall'. TPI is my concern with the dovetail...Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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I'm told I have to use a jigsaw to get the part the circular saw cannot reach, but I know that's not right either. Looks like I'll be using a dovetail handsaw to complete the cut 'to the wall'. TPI is my concern with the dovetail...
How are you going to use a coping saw or dovetail saw? It will jam in your line from the cut unless you drill a big fat hole in the waste part of the counter material to get it's frame through. I just don't see how it'll help you. You'd be using more of a drywall type saw to finish the cut.
With a jigsaw, you can tilt it back once you butt up against the wall to get that last inch done. -
I see what you mean...I dunno...Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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If this gets any more complicated and the price of a formica blade is what I think...I may be hiring this done. That hurts to say.Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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I'm told I have to use a jigsaw to get the part the circular saw cannot reach, but I know that's not right either. Looks like I'll be using a dovetail handsaw to complete the cut 'to the wall'. TPI is my concern with the dovetail...
Just use a coping saw and sand it down slowly where the circ saw can't reach. Don't think too hard. Use any tools necessary to get the job done professionally and spend a little time doing it.Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin: -
measure twice, cut once....
Good luck! -
Use a down cutting jig saw blade....most common blades cut on the up stroke and tend to fracture the Formica veneer.
Jimmy -
If you even remotely think about using a jig-saw, you need to plan on a LOT of time sitting there nicking the very slightest amount of counter.......if you have any sort of rush to your cutting with that thing you'll end up replacing the countertop.....comment comment comment comment. bitchy.
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Thanks all. As it turns out, when we went to buy the fridge we had to pass. As we took final measurements of the width, I noticed that the French doors opening added an extra inch on both sides. That was a show-stopper for us based on clearances. Glad I saw it and did not have the Oh Crap moment as the installer tried to open one of the doors once in place.
I went ahead and bought a 150T blade for my circular saw as well as a fence guide attachment. Sooner or later I'll end up trimming off the counter top.Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend. -
most fridges are deeper than your standard countertop/cabinet depth so the doors are usually proud of the countertop, did you check for that?Thanks all. As it turns out, when we went to buy the fridge we had to pass. As we took final measurements of the width, I noticed that the French doors opening added an extra inch on both sides. That was a show-stopper for us based on clearances. Glad I saw it and did not have the Oh Crap moment as the installer tried to open one of the doors once in place.Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15 -
We were looking at a counter depth fridge. Our situation involves a doorway immediately to the left of the machine as you face it. The counter to the right is not an issue; however, the wall and door frame would prohibit the french door on the fridge from opening completely.Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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Get the fridge anyway.
We'll tell you how to cut the fridge down. A demo saw, diamond cutting wheel, and a little masking tape. That fridge will fit!Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
