Cutting formica

Woodshop
1

I have some formica I need to cut. Does anyone know what is needed to cut it and if we have it at MS? Mostly all straight cuts.

Thanks

2

The cheap way, but a lot of work, laminate shears:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_290289-51872-52016_1z0s9n8__
Doubt the 'Space has any.

You can also use table saws and routers, the sharper the better.
The 'Space has these.

I’ve used a utility knife:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_23116-81-48026___?productId=3121815&pl=1&Ntt=carpet+knife
I can’t recommend it, but it can be done.
The 'Space has these, if you can find a good one. I like the folding lock back style, and buy your own blades, no matter. They’re cheap and useful.

3

I haven’t looked for one in years, but the traditional low cost way is a formica knife, which is a single carbide tooth on a wooden handle, that can be used to cut through the surface and part way through, then snap it.

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4

Thanks, looks like another winter project. I have a cabinet that needs a formica top and my computer desk is one of the cheapy fake wood and the top surface is getting pitted (I eat and drink at the computer) so I want cover it also.

I tried a utility knife and it sort of works for cutting small pieces. I will look at the laminate shears also. Any excuse to buy a new tool is a good one to me.

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5

Sounds just like a plexiglass scoring tool, like this:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_163055-1638-1777777A_0__?productId=3140935

Assuming it works the same, it’s very easy to use, and will produce better cuts than a utility knife.

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6

Remember that the usual process is to cut oversize, so you have some slop in positioning the pieces once the contact cement is correctly dried, then come back with a laminate cutter, or router with laminate bit.

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7

glue the formica to the surface you want to cover then use a router to cut a clean perfect edge.

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8

I didn’t know that. that will work on the cabinet, not as easy on the desk, since it will have to be pieced–It has shelves attached. It was cheap at Big Lots, some 15 years ago

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9

Good advice kbraby & Bryan_Faris. Here’s a youtube video on what you’re looking for in a flush cut bit:

Here’s a video on proper direction for running router when trimming laminate so the cutter works properly (also a nifty offset router attachment I hadn’t seen before):

10

I’ve only seen these used for trimming laminate and I’m guessing it is because of the additional visibility offered by the offset motor. There is certainly a maintenance and power cost to the offset mechanism; maybe that is why they aren’t used in other situations (not to mention cost and footprint).

11

Not so much about visibility, as reach. When using the router, you can only get within half the router body diameter of the wall/backsplash or adjacent taller csbinets. The offset allows you to get much closer with the laminate bit.

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