Formica

[Lightwave395]

Any hints or definite no no's out there for cutting Formica ?

Thanks

 

[Stemar]

The best tip I've seen is to cut it oversize, fit it, then use a router with a bit like this to trim it precisely

Lots of how-to videos on line to watch before you start!

 

[Motor_Sailor]

If it's a bulkhead or fixed location (where you can't router it back to a convenient edge as above) , then the time spent templating the required shape will pay dividends. Large sheets of paper, masking tape and tick sticks will get you a millimeter perfect fit.

Make sure any fine toothed saw you're using is cutting on the stroke going towards the finish surface. So regular jig saws and fine Japanese saws (cut on the up stroke) need to be used from the back.

If you haven't got a router with flush cut follow bit, then 80g sandpaper on a block along the edge will quickly work an oversize cut back to an edge.

 

[johnalison]

In the days when I used to do this sort of thing. I would score the line to be cut with a Stanley knife and then cut with a normal wood saw. They used to sell special blades with a sort of hooked blade but I never used them.

 

[Lightwave395]

If it's a bulkhead or fixed location (where you can't router it back to a convenient edge as above) , then the time spent templating the required shape will pay dividends. Large sheets of paper, masking tape and tick sticks will get you a millimeter perfect fit.

Make sure any fine toothed saw you're using is cutting on the stroke going towards the finish surface. So regular jig saws and fine Japanese saws (cut on the up stroke) need to be used from the back.

If you haven't got a router with flush cut follow bit, then 80g sandpaper on a block along the edge will quickly work an oversize cut back to an edge.

Thanks for that, I've found some fine tooth jigsaw blades that are 'reverse cut' and cut on the down stroke. I'll try it on an offcut first. The formica isgoing on the back of some new drop down locker doors I've mafe so they can be used as shelves when open

 

[geem]

I use sheet metal shears. I cut the piece out about 1" oversized with a straight edge and sharp Stanley knife then cut on the pen line such that the 1" wide strip is flexible enough to bend up out of the way. I have done all my cutting out like this with 100% success

 

[Steve_N]

I used a lot of Formica in an interior overhaul some years ago. I found a pair of quality sharp scissors to work fine. You do have to take care not to crack the Formica but you soon develop a method involving bending the right hand side material down away from the cut as you go.
The beige surfaces in the photo are Formica.
Purchasing it in 'door skins' worked out cheaper than buying the larger sheets.

 

[DownWest]

From ages ago, but seen it recently, I bought a plastic tool with a carbide tip. It cuts in a narrow V to about half depth, then just crack the rest. Run the tool down a straight edge a couple of times. Very easy. Nowdays, I would tidy up with a flap disc.

 

[Graham376]

As others have said, it chips very easily so use fine tooth blades on the down stroke or cut oversize and trim with router . For drilling larger holes, I've found Forstner bits give much cleaner cuts than twist drills.

 

[Rappey]

Angle grinder with 1mm cutting disc, like a knife through butter .

 

[Ian_Rob]

Whilst on the subject of Formica, does anybody have a good sources for plastic laminate in anything less than full size sheets? Plastics & Veneers Ltd is an obvious choice but I am looking for alternatives.

 

[coopec]

Whilst on the subject of Formica, does anybody have a good sources for plastic laminate in anything less than full size sheets? Plastics & Veneers Ltd is an obvious choice but I am looking for alternatives.

I wouldn't go for a color if I were you as white is cheaper from your hardware chain than from a Formica distributor (at least it is in Australia)

Any cabinet maker in your area will welcome you with open arms if you are prepared to take an off-cut. They might demand cash
(If you take along some photos of your project and ask their advice it always puts them at ease)

 

[Graham376]

Whilst on the subject of Formica, does anybody have a good sources for plastic laminate in anything less than full size sheets? Plastics & Veneers Ltd is an obvious choice but I am looking for alternatives.

I bought a 1200 x 500 sheet of black on ebay in January, £20 delivered, various other sizes available.

 

[Lightwave395]

I bought a 1200 x 500 sheet of black on ebay in January, £20 delivered, various other sizes available.

I just bought an 8ft X 2ft sheet of cream at £30 from, I think, the same guy, really good prices and postal charges
BARRIE SNOWS FORMICA | eBay Stores

 

[Rappey]

I went to the range and bought a roll of the current fablon type stick on stuff. It went down beautifully over a dated formica patterned surface in the heads.
I used the same stuff in textured white to cover the inside of the cabin sides to add a little colour as everything in my boat is varnished including the stripped wood ceiling.