Cutting worktop in situ

jollyanna

I want to reduce kitchen worktop either side of space for slide-in cooker to accomodate a 60cm instead of 55cm cooker. The base units to each side are the right space so I just need to cut the worktop back to align with the units.
Would a jig-saw do this ?
Sounds a bit of a faff but when the units were fitted I was unsure about a new cooker,so fitter left sufficient gap to accomodate a slightly larger one in future. Thanks.

Mr_Reeman

A Jigsaw would do most of it. If you can use a jig to make sure the line that is cut is straight, otherwise it will look naff. A circular saw or router would be better, but with all of these tools you're going to struggle to cut the last few inches as the tool edge hits the wall/tiles. The worktop will be under the tiles most likely and you may need to be get a hand saw out, perhaps a chisel, to get the last bit off.

If you're going to attempt it, just make sure you plan appropriately and mark and cut the lines very carefully.

ic

My experience with (an admittedly cheap and crappy) jigsaw is that the line will go anywhere but where you want it even with a guide - be prepared to explain to people that you intended for the worktop edge to be wonky and quirky. Its probably easier to just undo all the necessary screws and plumbing and pull out the worktop to the point where it can be cut accurately with a circular saw.

muddyl

Use a jigsaw and take it slow, easy to keep in line then (imagine your steering the back instead of the front, makes it much easier when accuracy is needed). And make sure the jigsaw blade cuts down (on the down stroke) or it will damage the top of the work surface, a fine blade is best also). A hand saw or chisell to finish.

jollyanna

Sounds to me like there is too much scope for a complete mess-up !
It could turn out to be a false economy because although a wider oven seems to be cheaper than 55cm one, I'd have to buy a new jig-saw as current one is ancient..

DaftyDuck

If you are happy with a metal worktop sealing strip along the worktop-cooker border, a jiggly wigsaw (well, hayfever is in action at the mo) would be covered. I don't normally like these on a worktop, but alongside a cooker, a brushed metal line would be fine!

Something like... http://www.screwfix.com/c/bathrooms-kitchens/worktop-fittings/cat830024

Jaynne

Jigsaws or circular saws are only £35. Based on experience just fitting a kitchen you will do very well to get a straight line with a cheap jigsaw even with a guide they have a mind of their own!

A circular saw on the other hand will go through it like butter and will do a nice a straight cut however you will get chipping on the top surface most likely and will need a backsaw to finish it off and probably one of those metal bars DaftyDuck posted.

john.h

A cheap jigsaw will give a wobbly cut, and you would need down cutting blades which makes the saw jump a bit.
A circular saw would chip the worktop.
A router would only cut one side of the worktop or you would break out the pre-formed edge.

The best tool.. A hand saw....

John....

jollyanna

Thanks guys. I've gone off this idea as a DIY project but I'm now intending to ask the gas-safe engineer who I hope will disconnect the broken oven and install the new, if he will undertake to do the cutting busiiness. I know he's capable because he made a brill job of installing a new gas fire and surround for us last year. I just wish I hadn't been so indecisive about a new cooker when we got the kitchen done last year.

john.h

I would not of thought the gas fitter will do it... He will probably have as much experience of cutting worktops as you have.... but he will probably know of someone who can do it

John...

Mr_Ted

As its obviously a gas cooker you will also have to consider an additional gap either side of any cooker is now a regulated requirement.