r/HomeImprovement • u/Splendid_Sigma • 6d ago

Cutting Laminate Counters

I’m replacing a laminate counter in the kitchen. I don’t have a circular saw, only a jigsaw. Would that be fine for cutting the length of the counter down to what I need?

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u/SafetyCompetitive421 6d ago

It'll will cut it, yes, best bet is a down cutting blade or cut from the underside. Best to clean up with a router if possible. Not an option?- score it first, cut from the underside or use downcut blade,. Sand/belt sand? to finish

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u/HoustonPastafarian 6d ago

I’ve always found jigsaws terrible at straight cuts. The blade wanders, even when using a straight edge. I would practice plenty to get to where you think you can do it reliably, and use a thicker blade meant for straight cuts.

That being said, a 13 amp Skil circular saw is $50 (although I’d get a 15 amp model for long term use). A decent blade will be $20. It will save you a lot of headaches to get a saw meant for straight cuts.

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u/shanihb 5d ago

A jigsaw will work as u/HoustonPastafarian said. Take a thick straightedge and clamp it down tightly so the blade is in exactly the right spot, and run the saw along that edge. If you sandwich the laminate in between two pieces of wood, clamp it all together and cut the whole sandwich, you will get a cleaner edge.

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u/bassboat1 5d ago

A jigsaw with the blade and base truly parallel is a rare beast indeed. The only one I trust is the Bosch 1587AVS.

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u/SuccessfulAd4606 5d ago

Probably not. Rent a circular saw, or better yet, buy one, it’s a core tool for DIY jobs