How to Cut Formica
Purchase the size of Formica sheet that fits best for your project., Measure the area you wish to laminate with a tape measure. , Mark the cutting line on the Formica with a pen or pencil. , Place masking tape on the cutting line., Lay the Formica...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Purchase the size of Formica sheet that fits best for your project.
Formica sheets are between 1/16 and 1/32 of an inch (.15 and .08 cm) thick.
Sheets can be 3, 4, and 5 feet (.9,
1.22, and
1.52 m) wide and 8, 10, and 12 feet (2.44,
3.05,
3.66 m) long.
The smallest sheet available is generally a 3x8 feet (.9x2.44 m); however, some home improvement stores offer scrap bins if your project is small. ,,, Use extra layers of tape at the edge of the Formica where the saw will first start the cut.
If the line is not visible through the tape, remeasure and remark on top of the masking tape. , You can use a scrap piece of plywood or OSB as a table to cut Formica.
The surface you use will probably be scored by the saws, so be sure that what you are using is safe to cut on and can get damaged.
Cement would not be a good surface to cut on. , Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw.
Cut out the shape's form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. ,,, Belt sanders can be heavy to operate, and you may choose to sand the edges by hand or with a small metal file. , -
Step 2: Measure the area you wish to laminate with a tape measure.
,, Use a trim router that features a laminate cutting bit. , -
Step 3: Mark the cutting line on the Formica with a pen or pencil.
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Step 4: Place masking tape on the cutting line.
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Step 5: Lay the Formica on a flat
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Step 6: rigid surface.
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Step 7: Use a circular saw or laminate shears to cut the Formica into large pieces.
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Step 8: Install the Formica onto the countertop or other location.
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Step 9: Use a jigsaw with a fine blade to trim the Formica and make any rounded cuts.
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Step 10: Use a belt sander with a grit of 100 to smooth the edges.
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Step 11: Cut the Formica to 1/8 inch (.32 cm) larger than the size needed.
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Step 12: Remove any masking tape used for the larger cuts with the circular saw.
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Step 13: Install the Formica onto the location.
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Step 14: Trim the Formica to the exact size needed.
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Step 15: Use a flat metal file to clean off any burrs or rough edges that may have occurred while cutting the Formica.
Detailed Guide
Formica sheets are between 1/16 and 1/32 of an inch (.15 and .08 cm) thick.
Sheets can be 3, 4, and 5 feet (.9,
1.22, and
1.52 m) wide and 8, 10, and 12 feet (2.44,
3.05,
3.66 m) long.
The smallest sheet available is generally a 3x8 feet (.9x2.44 m); however, some home improvement stores offer scrap bins if your project is small. ,,, Use extra layers of tape at the edge of the Formica where the saw will first start the cut.
If the line is not visible through the tape, remeasure and remark on top of the masking tape. , You can use a scrap piece of plywood or OSB as a table to cut Formica.
The surface you use will probably be scored by the saws, so be sure that what you are using is safe to cut on and can get damaged.
Cement would not be a good surface to cut on. , Do not try to cut a curve with a circular saw.
Cut out the shape's form, and leave the trimming for a finer saw and corners for a saw with a some flexibility. ,,, Belt sanders can be heavy to operate, and you may choose to sand the edges by hand or with a small metal file. ,
,, Use a trim router that features a laminate cutting bit. ,
About the Author
Richard Gibson
Writer and educator with a focus on practical home improvement knowledge.
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