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Cutting Sink Holes in Laminate Countertops
Question
What is the best way to cut this stuff without chipping or damaging it? My countertop supplier will miter the corners and make slots for the dog-bones. But what is the best way to cut out for the sink with the backsplash in the way of the router? Do I tip it over and rout it with the counter upside down with a template? I know this may seem simple, but I don't want to screw this up and have to purchase material twice. Forum Responses
For sink holes, turn the top upside down and use the skill saw. Cut on your lines, this time stopping short of the radius turns. At this point you can use a jig saw. Make sure that the fall off is supported so that it doesn't break off at the end. It takes a while to get used to installing countertops, but when you've done several kitchens, you get used to it.
From contributor V: For sink cutouts I use a jig saw with a downcut blade once the top is fastened in place and the plumber traces out the sink where he wants it. For scribing, if I have to cut out a lot of material, I'll use a jig saw. I use a mini grinder with a 60 grit sanding disc to scribe to the line; it's very fast, accurate, and easy to control. From contributor S: I don't put my backsplashes on until I've made all my cutouts. Had to fight a slide-in one time with a hand saw, and I won't do it twice. Unless I have really tight tolerance on the cut, I use a 101B upcutter with my orbit up one notch (jigsaw). Let the saw do it's thing and it won't chip out. I only use the downcutter if it's a finished cut. From contributor D: Cutting for the sink is best done by using a jigsaw. You can cut accurately to a pencil line without having to grind or sand. I first drill out corners with a 1/2" paddle bit (access for the jigsaw). If the countertop is a postform top and the cutout is close to the backsplash, I reach under and cut the corners out from below. I also use the jigsaw to hog off deep scribe areas and finish with 36 grit on the belt sander. 1300 countertops in 5 years... I have a system down that works for me. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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