Cut Sink Hole in Formica

Perry Aynum wrote in :

Either one of those will work.

You want to avoid splintering the laminate, so use a sharp blade. One designed for plywood will be slow but safe. Put tape over the cut line, then cut through the tape to minimize the chances of splinters.

I recommend a router if it's a below-counter sink and the edge has to be pretty. Use a down-spiral bit that will push the laminate down.

Drill and jigsaw works fine. Drill all four corners using as large a radius as the sink will permit as sharp corners are more prone to starting cracks. When sawing out the center with a jigsaw, saw from the back side and support the center piece so it doesn't fall before the cut is complete and crack or tear the laminate. Take a fine file or medium sandpaper and dress (round slightly) the sharp Formica edge afterward.

Paul F.

Ive seen guys use circular saws, but they use them every day, it could bind and jump or chip the counter unless you are carefull.

Uhh Steve -

You guys install undermount sinks in laminate there in TX? Must be a regional thing...

Kidding aside, how could you do this? The exposed edge would be particle board, and would last about a week.

JK

The best way I have found to do it is with a router.I ve done a few for Habitat and make a new template every time I come across a new sink. Jig saw works too. If I am making a new counter top to replace an old one sometimes I use the old counter top to make my template. I ve accumatled about a half dozen different templates now.

Jimmie

Big_Jake wrote in :

OK, I'm an idiot.

I was trying to cover all the bases, and I got carried away.

"SteveBell" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.motzarella.org:

Looks like you covered 4th base too :-)

Red Green wrote in :

I think I had already rounded 4th and was headed for 5th.