Cutting Worktops

[John]

I need to replace two sinks (kitchen and utility). Due to the new ones being 30mm wider (front to back) than the existing ones I need to enlarge the holes. I do not want to disturb the worktops and tiles so I would like to cut them in situ(?). Has anybody ever done this and if so what is the best method. I have a range of power tools but because of the distance from the wall to the back of the sink I cannot get in with my router or jigsaw. I have a Rotazip type tool that may do it but I don't think the cutters in these things are up to cutting 40mm thick worktops. Can anybody offer any advice or am I looking at a hand saw job?

TIA

John

[Andy Hall]

Yep, I think it will be a hand job. A Rotozip type thing is not going to be man enough for this, I don't think.

Is it too close at the back to get in a circular saw?

Hopefully the sink will cover any slight wanderings away for the line though.

.andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

[Set Square]

If you've got any longish straight bits to cut, you may be able to use an angle grinder fitted with a circular saw blade. But take care - it ain't for the faint hearted - and may chip the surface, beacuse you really need to cut from the underside!

You could then finish off with a rotary file - or maybe with a multi-angle drill bit such as Screwfix D86592 etc.

Have you got any spare bits of worktop to practise on?

[Richard]

When fitting a sink you end up with a 1" overlap so chipping is not an issue, whats wrong with a jigsaw, with a blade that cuts on the upstroke?

[Richard]

sorry didnt read the post as usual

[Rick Dipper]

I thought the OP was talking about fitting a sink, not ways of getting a "Darwin Award"

Rick

[Pete C]

Hi,

Some jigsaws allow the blade to be put in at 90° which would help you get closer to the wall.

Or put a brand new 1.6mm cutting disk in the angle grinder and use it to cut a series of slots in the edge of the worktop. Then use a chisel to channel out the wood in between.

Another way would be to fix a piece of suitable sized wood between the wall and the ledge on the worktop, and use a router horizontally with the guide running along the top of the wood to rout out the edge of the worktop. Very dangerous though!

cheers, Pete.

[Lurch]

On Fri, 7 May 2004 16:38:09 +0100, in uk.d-i-y "Set Square" strung together this:

After you...

[John Armstrong]

My jigsaw has the facility to mount the blade sideways. The blade is closer to the front than half he width of the machine, so this can get you a bit closer. Would this be possible/helpful with your jigsaw?

[John Armstrong]

Also you could use the router horizontally, although not right into the corners.

[John]

Many thanks for all the replies. I would not like to try the methods suggested in some of the replies!!. I think it's a hand job (Oooh Err missus!)

Once again many thanks

John