Cutting wooden worktops - how scary?!

Norma_Desmond

Our new kitchen is coming on brilliantly BUT the joiner who was coming tomorrow to cut sink/hob holes etc. in our worktops has let us down :mad:
We need this sorted asap as nothing else can be done unless they are in situ.
Our chap-who-can-do-most-everything is coming tomorrow to fit the rest of the units etc. etc. , and I'm wondering if between him and DH they dare cut the tops themselves? I mean how skilled a job IS it?
Worktops are solid walnut btw.

greyteam1959

Just mark them out and use a jigsaw.......simple really.
However the golden rule when doing this job is measure measure check your measurements again then have a brew and check them again before cutting them !!!!
To stop the jigsaw marking the worktop/ timber put some insulation tape or masking tape on the piece that slides on the timber. Sometimes the jigsaw can leave a nasty mark

Norma_Desmond

Thanks mervyn; I'm at home too tomorrow and I'm going to make sure they measure a dozen times before they go anywhere near the tops with a jigsaw.
They'll have me to answer to if they b@lls it up! :eek:

rizla01

Just a hint.

If, before they cut out the hole for the Hob/Sink, they use an auger or hole saw or similar in each of the four corners before using the jigsaw, it will make the task a lot easier.

Personally I use a more powerful (And quicker) circular saw on the straight runs. Then trim with Jigsaw afterwards.

babyangel10

And if they are a bit unsure, make sure that they undercut the hole needed rather than overcut - at least they can cut a bit more off if needed - can't stick the bogger back on if overcut!

It's relatively straightforward TBH, but definitely do as Rizla01 says and drill some holes big enough to slide the jigsaw blade through first to start you off, and just take your time

It doesn't have to be 100% neatly cut cos remember that the sink/hob will hide any imperfections (within reason!)

Good Luck!

babyangel10

Oh yes, and if you have a 'normal' sink with a draining board, make sure that if they decide to turn it over to draw around it as some people do, that they cut the hole out for the side where the sink is going to sit into - My F.I.L once did this but had the sink the wrong way round and cut the hole in the wrong side of the worktop! Ooops! Was he in trouble with the M.I.L or what?!

ysabell

If you cut the worktop with the finished side up then you might find that the jigsaw will 'fracture' the edges and you'll end up with a jagged finish. A Jigsaw cuts on the upstroke so if you turn the worktop upside down then you'll avoid the edges breaking. Try it on a spare bit of worktop first!

RandyHandyAndy

Old proverb.. measure nine times.. cut once.

Only then are they allowed a mug of tea!

bockster

tip.
if marking out and cutting from the underside with a jigsaw, make sure the blade is straight!! and keep making sure the blade is straight as they tend to bend when going around corners!!!

ps. are your worktops in situ or cut to length? are you having 'butted' joints? (i would especially with quality worktops) if so and you are planning on cutting the mating faces this is a different propesition altogether! this would involve cutting with a router and w/top jig, i would say this is a job only for pro's or very capable diyers.

good luck.

jennifernil

And remember to seal all the cut edges to keep water out.

Hotsocks2

You can get blades which cut on the downstroke. But when I tried one it was difficult to hold the jigsaw down (it vibrated) which would have damaged my laminated top. If you turn it upside down, keep checking the cut is perpendicular because, as said, jigsaws blades often tend to bend even in a straight line cut. And yes, a hole for each corner.