How to cut large sheets of laminate?

[mike]

I need to cut up a 10' x 4' sheet of laminate into a couple of 2 inch by

8 foot strips and a couple of 3 foot squares.

What's the best way to chop down laminate?

If the pieces were smaller, I'd score and snap but the chances of scoring and snapping an 8 foot 2 inch strip successfully seem pretty low.

Can you put it through a table saw? It seems like it would chip at best and probably vibrate and shatter at worst.

I'm planning to use a laminate trimming bit to get the final finish.

Any advice appreciated.

[Roger Mills]

I think I'd use a fine-toothed jigsaw.

You'll have to support it fully - both sides of the cut - whatever you do, preferably holding it onto the supporting boards with clamps.

[Donwill]

Since they mainly cut on the upstroke, it might be better to turn the laminate upside-down before clamping. Don

[The Natural Philosopher]

Gosh, I remember actual laminate and Evostik..

Fine toothed saw is the way to go, if a jigsaw cut upside down.

A tile saw might even work..

[Cicero]

================================== This will do the job but you lose 1/8" (width of blade)for each cut:

will still need to finish either by sanding or by trimming bit.

Cic.

[The Medway Handyman]

This is exactly what I had to do about 25 - 30 years ago in our first house. No pre formed worktops in them days thee knows. Formica was the in thing.

I'm pretty sure I scored & snapped the edge strips - can't think of any other technology availaible back then.

That being the case they could be as rough as a badgers ar*e & it wouldn't matter, so a jigsaw would work - supporting the edge will be your biggest problem.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I used to use a surform followed by a sanding block at 45 degrees, to cut back 1/4" oversize edges.

[mike]

Thanks for all the replies. I hadn't even considered the dreaded jigsaw, but it seems obvious now.

Cic's gadget looks nice too though ;-)

[Roger Mills]

It would do the job but would take a long time to nibble all along an 8' cut (and your hands would get sore!).

[Cicero]

================================== It's designed for the job and it's almost as easy (and as fast) as using a pair of large shears / scissors. Of course it's slower on metals but it crunches through Formica like a starving piranha in a swimming pool.

We're rather too cossetted today by having so many power tools to do the most basic jobs.

Cic.

[Brian G]

Mike,

Use the edge of a sharp 1" wood chisel to score from the face to about half way through and then snap the piece off - that's how I did it as an apprentice a very long time ago.

Brian G

[RW]

OI Dave, FYI Badgers arses are not that rough.

DAMHIKIJD..... OK

[The Medway Handyman]

I admit to no personal knowledge...

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