Can You Cut Laminate Worktop With Hand Saw?

Published on: June 13, 2022
Written by Eric Devin / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Cutting a laminate countertop with a handsaw is challenging because the action of the handsaw may shatter or damage the laminate. However, by using a simple procedure, you can ensure the safety of the laminate countertop.

There is a consensus among professional kitchen artisans, who rely on their hand saws for countless jobs every day, that a circular saw is a far better tool for the job compared to a jigsaw or miter saw. Quality saws are much more precise, speedy, and efficient than hand held cutting tools.

For gating a smooth cut, you can use a circular saw on the opposite side of the worktop, upside down and along a clamped straight edge. Place a 6-inch swath of painter’s tape on the countertop in the approximate location of the cut.

Using a tape, measure the countertop from the nearest edge where the cut will make it to the farthest edge. Join the markings to create a straight and square-cut line using a straightedge. Let’s know the procedure deeply, read the below-

How Can You Cut a Kitchen Laminate Worktop With a Hand Saw?

Because portable power saws cut on the upstroke, cutting from the rear of the sheet and putting the laminate face down will prevent chipping. To ensure a straight cut, create a guide or jig. A simple technique is to place the sheet on a worktable with the offcut hanging over the edge and clamp a straight piece of wood to the table. 

It should offset the cut line by the same amount as the distance between the edge of the saw foot and the nearest edge of the blade. Here we know how we can cut laminate worktops using a hand saw-

1. Use the Painter’s Tape

You need to place a 6-inch wide swath of painter’s tape on your worktop in the exact location where you decide to cut. This tap will help keep the laminate safe from any damage. And choose your hand saw within 10 to 12 teeth per 25 mm.

2. Take Accurate Measurement

You have to measure your worktop from the nearest edge to cut using a tape measure. Use a pencil to mark the cutting location of the measure at the top, middle, and bottom. Make sure to start cutting from the front profiled edge.

3. Finally, Cut the Laminate Worktop

Cutting line with your handsaw. Pull the length of the full to get the smooth cut by your saw. And after finishing the cut, remove the painter’s tape.

How Long Takes Time to Cut a Laminate Worktop With a Handsaw?

Whether you’re cutting not one but two pieces of laminate worktop, or you have no idea how long it will take you to get done cutting the first piece, this handy guide is for you. If you’re doing a cutting job on your own, you’ll have to figure out the cutting length for your worktop based on the length of the blade you’re using. But for a pair of experienced DIYers, this quick-reference guide will tell you how long it will take to cut a laminate worktop with a handsaw.

Is It Safe to Cut a Laminate Worktop With a Hand Saw?

Yes, it is safe to cut a laminate worktop with a hand saw; however, it is not the most efficient option. Laminate is a relatively soft material, so it can be cut with a variety of tools, including table saws, jigsaws, and circular saws. If you’re cutting a laminate countertop, we recommend using a circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade for the best results.

Which Hand Saw Is the Best for Cutting Laminate Worktops?

When you need to cut laminate kitchen worktops, you want the best tool for the job. Chances are, you don’t want to take your hand saw to the job site and risk damaging the saw. Instead, you’ll want a circular saw. Circular saws are excellent for cutting wood, plastics, and metal, and they’re easy to operate and maintain. The best way to ensure you get the exact results you’re looking for is to pick the right hand saw.

Best Way to Ensure a Clean and Even Cut When Cutting a Laminate Worktop With a Hand Saw

1. Ensure the saw blade is sharp and set the saw to the desired depth of cut.

2. Secure the worktop to a stable surface, such as a saw bench or a workbench.

3. Mark the cutting line with a tape measure and a pencil or marker.

4. Use a straight edge, such as a metal ruler, to guide the saw blade and ensure a straight cut.

5. Make sure to keep the saw blade perpendicular to the worktop when cutting.

6. Take your time and use steady, even strokes to ensure a clean cut.

Why Should Choose Hand Saw for Cutting Worktop Which Is Laminated

Laminate worktops are a popular choice for kitchens because they are durable and easy to clean. However, there are drawbacks, as they are difficult to keep dust-free, and they can be difficult to prevent scratches when sawing. Cutting worktops that are laminated is a difficult job. A hand saw is the best tool to cut and shape them to the desired shape and size. There are specific reasons why we prefer to choose a hand saw for cutting the laminate worktop.

• Hand saws are designed to make fine cuts.
• They tend to be less expensive than other types of saws.
• It is easy to control the cut.
• They are less prone to kickback.
• And ideal for making crosscuts.
• They make it easy to cut straight lines.
• They are also used to cut at an angle and curves.

What Was the Saw Best to Cut the Laminate Countertop?

You may use a hand saw to cut through laminate countertops, but a circular saw can significantly speed up the process. Because a circular saw might leave jagged edges and chip the laminate, it’s better to lay it face-down and cut from back to front.

What Type of Blade Should You Use to Cut Laminate Countertops?

A clean, straight cut is necessary when cutting a post-form laminate countertop to length. A circular saw with a fine-tooth carbide blade suited for laminate is the ideal DIY equipment for the task (the same blades are typically sold for non-ferrous metals and other types of plastics). 

You can also utilize a fine-toothed jigsaw blade. Using a circular saw, use a fine-toothed thin blade with 40 teeth. Carbide-tipped blades often outlive ordinary steel for cutting laminate surfaces.

Which Side Do You Cut a Worktop on?

You’ll need to cut the worktop upside down when using a circular saw unless you have a plunge saw with a guiding rail. Circular saw blades cut vertically; therefore, doing so will prevent the blade from shredding the face of the counter as it passes through the surface of the countertop.

How Do You Cut Solid Surface Worktops?

The most typical methods for cutting solid surfaces are using a router, circular saw, or jigsaw. Standard woodworking blades can be used, although blades are now designed particularly for solid surface material. These provide a cleaner finish, which speeds up the finishing process.

How Do You Cut an Existing Countertop?

Use a tape measure to determine where you need to cut it and a pencil to draw the line at that point. Put on your safety glasses and connect a jigsaw. Turn on the jigsaw and slide the blade along the pencil line to cut through the counter. With the assistance of a buddy, flip the countertop back over and bring it inside.

Conclusion

Laminate worktops are an excellent choice for any kitchen because they are easy to clean and are practically scratch-and-impression resistant, making them ideal for busy hands. Unfortunately, because the surface is smooth, it takes some more skill to cut a laminate worktop with a hand saw. 

Many people do not even know how to work with a power tool, so they turn to a hand saw to cut their laminate worktops. However, you can get the same results using only a hand saw and a bit of practice.

Whatever you do, bear in mind that it must be done meticulously and perfectly. I hope this post has been of great use to you in your job.