Cutting Kitchen Worktops

Discussion in 'Kitchen Fitters' Talk' started by wobble, Mar 29, 2004.

  1. wobble

    wobble New Member

    Can anyone give me advice on cutting Kitchen worktops.
    I have no mitres to cut just a cutout for a Sink and Hob.
    The sink cutout is close towards one end of the worktop and there is a couple of water pipes the worktop has to goes round.Therefore the worktop could be quite weak at this point.
    I assume i fit the worktop then do the cutouts while it is fitted.
    I also assume that when cutting the cutout i should clamp the cutout in a way so when i'm nearly all the way round with my cutout the waste material doesn't try to rip itself away form the worktop and damage it.
    Please let me know how it should be done or how you have achieved it.
     
  2. Sam Dingle

    Sam Dingle New Member

    Sounds to me like you've answered you own question.
    You've demonstrated your ability to plan ahead and used fore sight, you'll be ok!
     
  3. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    heelllooo wobble

    other things to consider dont force the jigsaw as the
    blade may start to go off line [doo use pendulum]
    if it does go of line go back and gently work it back
    on line
    check exactly where the hole you are cutting in relation
    to any woodwork[when you put the sink top in will you
    have enough clearance for taps will the sink hit this
    bit of wood when i drop it in ect] as you say scribe the
    top into pipes first then cut out holes in situ
    you can get a special down cutting blade for laminate
    but you must push down a lot to stop it jumping up and
    down just make shure the blade is new for each hole treat all exposed edges especialy round the sink with
    wood glue or other sealant

    and as you say support centre that your cutting out

    good luck

    big all
     
  4. wobble

    wobble New Member

    Thanks for the advice.What about cutting the worktops to length.I'm not very good with a circular saw.Could i use an ordinary saw as i feel i have more control over it.
     
  5. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    first thing you need to know will the cut be square
    [are your walls square]you could cut it with a hand saw
    if it cuts on the down stroke start at front carefully
    cutting front first
    you could also clamp a bit of 2bye2on the line and saw
    along the edge of the wood keeping tight without cutting
    the wood
    or just do it free hand if you prefer
    put masking tape on before you mark the line accross
    if you do use a circular saw you cut from underneath
    again from front to back[try the circular saw with a
    batton on scrap wood first]

    big all
     
  6. wobble

    wobble New Member

    The walls are definatley not square.
     
  7. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    well theirs a surprise your walls are out l.o.l
    are you happy about cutting at an angle or would you
    like a few ideas

    big all
     
  8. wobble

    wobble New Member

    Yeh i'm alright cutting at an angle.The thing is fitting it between 2 sides wall that are not square and obviously not out the same way.I will just have to measure the walls from front and back of cabinets.I'm sure the cut don't have to be spot on does it.You just
    fill the gap with silicone sealant if you are not tiling i assume.Obviously you don't want the gap too big and within reason
     
  9. Dewy

    Dewy New Member

    I don't think I saw the answer to your question about clamping the waste when cutting for the sink.
    When 3 sides are cut. screw a batten to the waste making the batten long enough to overhang the sides of the cut.
    This should stop the waste dropping out. A bit of 2x1 (50x25) is ideal. You could hold the batten lightly so the waste doesn't twist as you finish the final cut.
     
  10. wobble

    wobble New Member

    Thanks for that Dewy.Its obvious when you think about it.
    There was me looking in to buying extra expensive clamps etc.when i could use a £2 bit of wood with less hassle and worry that i would damage the worktop.
    Thanks for that eased my worry.
     
  11. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    you could of course use a bit of ply and slide it along as
    the last cut progresses
     
  12. garagebob

    garagebob New Member

    Just finished installing new worktops to my own kitchen.
    To do the usual cutouts I purchased two new high tech laminate blades for my jigsaw from a well known superstore, Starts with B and ends with Q, £7+ for the pair.
    Well... was I a bit disapointed when each blade cut about 15 inches>> 400mm to you metric guys..
    And then refused to cut any more.
    Found an old rusty laminate blade which I must have used many times before and guess what>> did the job but a little wobbly, ended up using the hand saw,, that is hard work !
    Now then,, has anybody had any good laminate blades from Screw fix ?
    What price progress !
    Both blades returned for a full refund
    Garage bob
     
  13. big all

    big all Screwfix Select

    i bought the multipack of 30 screwfix jig saw
    blades and was completely unimpressed with the poor
    quality

    big all
     

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