Cutting a notch in laminate

dander

I need to cut a notch for some pipes in a piece of laminate worktop. Can I have some tips on how to do this neatly - I'll be using an electric jigsaw. Laminate side up or underside up, any particular kind of blade etc.

Many thanks!

SailorSam

The laminate needs to face up, try sticking some masking tape on, It's clearer then when you draw your guide line and it should prevent any chips.

bryanb

Finest possible blade is needed for plastic laminate, but the chipboard under would clog it, Try to find a blade with forward facing teeth, ie away from the jigsaw.

ormus

you can buy proper laminate blades.
if using a general purpose blade then cut the laminate on the reverse side.
you should always try a scrap bit of wood first anyways, to see the result.

markie1980

a good way of making a notch for a pipe is to use a spade bit to drill the hole where the pipe will be and then just use a hand saw to cut from the edge of the worktop/floorboard etc to the hole.

andy69_2

When I did mine I just marked it on the top and then used the circular saw I was using and was fine

ormus

markie1980 wrote: »

a good way of making a notch for a pipe is to use a spade bit to drill the hole where the pipe will be and then just use a hand saw to cut from the edge of the worktop/floorboard etc to the hole.

thats the way i do mine.:T

Ebe_Scrooge

Whenever I've had to do this, I cut through the laminate first with a Stanley knife ( using a ruler to get a straight edge ). It takes 2 or 3 passes to cut right through, but it seems to prevent the laminate splintering when you then saw through the wood.

SailorSam

Officer_Dibble wrote: »

Jigsaws cut on the upstroke (Due to the blade design). If your going to cut with the laminate face up then buy a downcut laminate blade.

Oh yes that's right, sorry. Thinking of cutting with an ordinary saw.

dander

Thanks all. I've been out and bought a laminate blade, but I like the sound of the scoring first to be on the safe side. I'll let you konw how I get on once I actually tackle the job!