Cabinate material

[northern]

I need to cut a hole in the material above the sink. The material is on a plywood backing and the material looks like plastic on the face. Any advice on how not to chip it. I can use a rotor or fine tooth power hack saw blade.

 

[atrick]

I need to cut a hole in the material above the sink. The material is on a plywood backing and the material looks like plastic on the face. Any advice on how not to chip it. I can use a rotor or fine tooth power hack saw blade.

If you cut it with a saber saw turn the blade around so it cuts down or get a reverse cut blade, a hole saw won't chip if you go slow speed and take your time

 

[LG111]

Wide blue painters tape over the material you are cutting.

 

[PlayDate]

Routers work the best on laminated material. The up/down motion of the jigsaw can cause the adhesive bond between the laminate and the plywood or MDF to separate.

 

[atrick]

Routers work the best on laminated material. The up/down motion of the jigsaw can cause the adhesive bond between the laminate and the plywood or MDF to separate.

If it comes loose from the saw you got bigger problems cause its coming loose real soon on its own. been cutting sinks and everything else in counters and cabinets for 40 years and never had that happen.

 

[PlayDate]

The OP asked for opinions and he got them.

The material he is cutting into is almost 30 years old.....I would use the right tool for the job. Sure you can use a jigsaw, hole saw or a recip saw but I wouldn't on a customer's boat unless the size, shape of the hole or access dictated otherwise. And make no mistake, the laminate material that Sea Ray used in the 80's and 90's will crack if it is stressed.

 

[wayne0]

The OP asked for opinions and he got them.

The material he is cutting into is almost 30 years old.....I would use the right tool for the job. Sure you can use a jigsaw, hole saw or a recip saw but I wouldn't on a customer's boat unless the size, shape of the hole or access dictated otherwise. And make no mistake, the laminate material that Sea Ray used in the 80's and 90's will crack if it is stressed.

So, what should he use?

 

[PlayDate]

A laminate Router. $89 at Home Depot. Makes short work of any job trimming or cutting laminate.