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Main => Woodworking => Topic started by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 03:35:40 am

Title: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 03:35:40 am

Hello,
I purchased some formica was told at the store to just use a normal jig saw blade
Bad idea
broke it quite a bit almost wasted an entire $45 sheet but managed to save enough to make my CP
right now it looks like this:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=49712.0;attach=105548;image
Obviousily i need to cut it down, i ordered some different jigsaw blades but have a feeling i will wreck it
Someone suggested just using a utility knife and cutting through the top surface and snapping it downwards
Will that cause an uneven edge? if so how do i clean the bad edge up?

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: NickG on July 27, 2008, 05:33:47 am

The best tool is a laminate trim bit (http://www.amazon.com/SKIL-BOSCH-85268M-CARBIDE-TIPPED-LAMINATE-ROUTER/dp/B000CNIKW0/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1217149738&sr=1-23) + router (http://www.amazon.com/HDC-Trim-Router/dp/B000U5UWZS/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1217149691&sr=8-21). 
It is worth it to buy a router.  The one in the link is not very impressive, but if this is all you need it for it will get the job done.  If not, then it is wise to look for a more fully-feature model. 

I did not have a router when I built my first project, and I tried many tools with poor results, and a few accidental cuts into the control panel's MDF edge.  I eventually used a circular saw + a guideboard and cut through both layers to make the edges flush.  This method worked very well, but resulted in a slightly smaller CP.

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: Chadwick on July 27, 2008, 10:54:51 am

Laminate router with a flusht trim bit with ball bearing is the best solution.
(http://bp0.blogger.com/_YrQr8wWD0tk/SHZpkSInrFI/AAAAAAAAAEM/WIYF35q4g5I/s1600/mk2209.jpg)

(http://www.amanatool.com/bitdetails/47090.jpg)

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 11:04:13 am

i have a router.... where do i get this bit?
Edit: theres a million at home depot and lowes which one to get?
Also, do i need to trim the pannels down then use the router? or trim With the router?
i have alot of overhang

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: Chadwick on July 27, 2008, 11:08:20 am

You can probably find one at your nearest Lowes/HDepot.  It will either be called a Flush Trim Bit or Laminate Trim Bit.

Specifically, it is a 2-Flute, Carbide Tipped, Flush Trim Bit with Ball Bearing.  Look for a 1/4" diameter, cutting edge length between 1/2" to 1", 1/4" shank.

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 11:12:47 am

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=204429-353-91201&lpage=none

lowes has a cheaper one lol
will this work for me or am i going to fudge things up?

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 11:35:01 am

Also, razor blade scoring?
should i just score this down and snap Close to the edge so when i use the router im not working through alot of extra material?

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: Chadwick on July 27, 2008, 12:52:02 pm

That one from Lowes will work just fine.

RE: Scoring, I throw a piece of plywood/mdf/whatever down on my sawhorses, then I clamp a 1x4 piece of lineal oak down to the plywood with the laminate in between.  Score with a laminate scoring tool a half dozen times then break.  I usually leave about a 1/2" to trim with the router.

Laminate scoring tool: (http://www.contractorsdirect.com/core/media/media.nl?id=1228&c=494083&h=1c5098d95cfac2396d76)

Title: Re: How do i cut this formica?
Post by: nullb0y on July 27, 2008, 05:05:49 pm

HEy, so the router bit from lowes worked great
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=49712.0;attach=105607;image
Didnt screw up ^_^ thanks guys