Kitchen Worktop

[fishing81]

I am going to alter my kitchen worktop and the only machine I can use is a jigsaw so I thought I would treat myself to a Dewalt DW 331 K 701W 240v as I need a good one for some more work in the future.I don't want the laminate to shatter as I can only cut from the top so I thought I would tape the top next to where I am going to cut,but if anyone can advise me what type of blade to use either a course or fine one or any other tips I woud be grateful.Luckily I have a spare piece of worktop to practice on.

[RATTER15]

I think you can get special blades for cutting laminated worktops.

[RATTER15]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-DEWALT-DT2116-JIGSAW-BLADES-DOWNCUT-FOR-WORKTOPS-LAMINATES-60MM-T101BR-/231139263073

[fishing81]

thanks RATTER15 happy New Year

[buildersmate]

Not something I've done many times, but when I have I used router to cut through, not a jigsaw.
It depends what modification you are trying to make, of course.
If you are forced to work in situ, have you considered that neither machine will get close to a rear wall on other vertical surface above the worktop.
With a narrow slot router blade, you can control the cut to avoid anything below the worktop. If the exposed edge of the laminate is important to be non-jagged afterwards, a router, nibbled away in small stages, does a better job.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Are you attempting to do a scribe joint or a butt joint with a cover trim? If you intend to cut with a jigsaw only, then do a trial run first and use a straight edge clamped in place as a guide....good luck

[RATTER15]

I have never managed to get a satisfactory cut on a worktop with a jigsaw myself.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

As RATTER said....unless you are very accurate with a jigsaw the results will be poor.A router and worktop jig or guide would be a better choice.

[fishing81]

thanks for the imput everyone,luckily i have a spare piece of worktop to practice on, if I am not happy with the result then I won't attempt it,but it is only about four inches to cut and away from a wall which I would like to alter,thanks again

[RATTER15]

if it is just four inches you may get away with it if you can hide the edge afterwards. Good luck.

[The Builder]

I'd go for a router usually, Fishy.

At a push, you could do it by hand if it's only 4". Laminate flakes, as you know. Any kind of blade (especially one that cuts upwards) can cause this to happen.

If cutting by hand with a fine blade, score the laminate first with a sharp pointy thing such as a tile scribe/scorer. As long as the face of the laminate is cut, then it shouldn't flake. I've done this many times in the past when I didn't have a router handy. It's a bit stressful though. A router is much easier. You just need time to set it all up.

[fishing81]

thanks The Builder any little bit helps and I am in no hurry so have decided to cut a piece of wood in the shape I want like a template,as you say scribe the worktop get the correct saw blade which I think is a Dewalt DT 2166 and if it all goes wrong I can always blame the misses for standing in the light and good for you helping everyone with your answers

[derekpara]

Now I do like it when someone responds to those who are trying to help.

Well done, Fish.

Cheers.

D