Drilling holes in laminate

[meta87]

I used a spade bit to drill the wholes in my control panel top and just layed the laminate on top.

I tried using the same spade bit to drill a whole in the laminate, but it chops it all up.

What should I use?

Thanks!

[SlikStik-Christian]

Turn your panel over (Make sure you don't have anything on the table that will scratch the formica) and drill 1/2" holes in the center of your 1 1/8" holes, then flip it back over and use your router with laminate trimming bit to make the actual hole, the 1/2" hole should let you pop your bit right through. Also make sure your router is clean before you do it so you dont scratch the laminate.

[SNAAAKE]

umm...?
how about the laminate your panel FIRST then drill with spade bit.
I have done it many times before..worked.