how to trim laminate countertop with a router
If you want no chips, rough cut at 1 13/4", then pull a router down the edge guided by a straightedge at the 2" mark. Take a piece of wood you want to trim. The edge trim should be completed first, before any glue is applied to the face of the board. In this article, I will tell you how to use a laminate router bit? Now it’s your time to make your products perfect. These cookies do not store any personal information. The edge trim should be completed first, before any glue is applied to the face of the board. This excess needs to be trimmed back and filed level with the countertop surface for a finished look. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Cut the Formica overhanging the edge with the same type of bit used for … This makes delicate trims, such as those needed for … By Herrick Kimball Issue 114. If you only need to make a few cuts, you can get away with using a utility knife and drywall square instead of a … Hold the tool so that the spinning, cutting disk is at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the countertop. Don't try to use one router for both bits unless you have the time to re-set the beveled bit each time. Trim routers or laminate trimmers are relatively smaller and lighter than regular routers. Used for making doors, kitchen shelf edges, laminate countertop, etc. How to trim a laminate countertop Use a router with the right laminate bit. But now, these small and compact instruments offer a lot of versatility and is used in various tasks. Gives a high-quality product. The bottom line is that the laminate trimmer is essentially a compact router designed for portability and ease of use. Run your fingers over the laminate’s smooth new edges. Choose the best router bit and a router for your project. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. A hole will have to be drilled through the Formica at the sink hole. If you encounter issues with our website, please report them so they may be corrected in a timely manner. Turn the router on. We keep 2 trim routers at each station, one with a flush bit and the other with a 7-degree bevel. I am using flush trim router bit and will recommend you, bearing on the bottom of the bit will be used for trimming. Tools needed: Laminate cutting blade for a utility knife - to cut and Trimline toothed saw blade for your circular saw or jigsaw Laminate cutting bit for your router. Comparing the router bit from Step 2 with a flush trim bit with ball bearing guides will reveal the solution for the project at hand. Laminate countertops are attractive and create a rich and distinctive look. Give yourself an extra inch on both dimensions -- you can trim the excess later. Take a board about 18" long - flat and drill a nice big hole … Trimming a Countertop. With bits that use a guide wheel, carefully set the guide so the bit cuts only the edge of the laminate but not the adjoining countertop surface. Are you ready for knowing, how to use a laminate router bit? Always cut laminate good side facing up. Trimming with precision is the next step and it can be done using a flush cutting bit … The bottom line is that the laminate trimmer is essentially a compact router designed for portability and ease of use. The main thing that you need to know if you are a newbie is that tool necessary in laminating the edges is the trim router. DIY instructions for constructing a laminate countertop with beveled edging and an undermount stainless steel sink. Steps are being taken to correct issues and to conform with WCAG 2.1 AA Web Accessibility standards. Adjust the cutting depth on your router. Clean the countertop with a whiskbroom. Please don’t use any local trim router for your project, this will damage your work. Learn how your comment data is processed. Remember, that >50% of the body of the router will be hanging over the edge of the counter when you're cutting the laminate. sCORE AND sNAP mETHOD . You’ll get the same super results every time using the right bit, appropriate router, and proper technique. Plug up the Dremel rotary tool, turn it on and adjust the speed to its highest setting. Design to trim the laminate countertops, Formica, etc. The finishing touch on any countertop is the edge trim. How to trim laminate countertop with a router? It’s very important to start anything that you have exact tools for the work. Step 5 Turn off your rotary tool and unplug it from the power supply. 1 Best Laminate Trim Router . Slide the shaft of the sanding bit in place and lock it down with the retaining … With store-bought moldings and a router, you can give laminate counters the monolithic look of solid-surface material. Mark out the side strips—2½ inches wide and an inch longer than the sides—from the remaining pieces. I used a laminate file to trim edgebanding once (in a woodworking class) and it was pretty fast and left a very nice edge. Cut the laminate sheeting down to size to fit the countertop with a circular saw or a fine-toothed handsaw. In most of the videos I've seen the counters are removed or if they're not removed, they simply show how you trim the front edge with a router. You will enjoy and definitely will be happy after using these bits. Steps. Prepare the router and the piece Go counter clockwise; Finish the cleaning; Safety tips for using a laminate router. I'm installing a piece of laminate sheet on a custom kitchen countertop. The bevel-edge moldings hide the dark lines that result when a strip of laminate is … Laminate Trimmer vs Router: How to Select the Right Tool. Trim a little at a time off of the countertop with the Dremel. The first step to do is to clean your countertop where you want to trim the edges. Use the lumber as a guide for the router bit. Both questions have the same answer. This is … Clean the countertop with a whiskbroom. To trim inside edges, like those for a sink cut-out, feed the router clockwise. We considered using biscuits and my Kreg Jig , but ultimately, my uncle thought it best to re-use the existing bolts from the old laminate countertop and try the same technique on the butcher block. Hold it in place and carefully trace the outline with a pencil. Whether using a small specialized laminate trimming tool or an ordinary router, the key is in the bits. You will see that the results are amazing. In my situation, the router would hit the wall … Avid Power 6.5-Amp 1.25 HP Compact Router with Fixed Base, 5 Trim Router Bits, Variable Speed, Edge... Makita RT0701CX7 1-1/4 HP Compact Router Kit. 1 Best Laminate Trim Router . If you rush things the router may jump around and accidentally cut into the countertop. First off, start by cleaning the countertop with … The two most common types of router bits used for finishing laminate countertops are flush trim bits and beveled blade/chamfer bits. You will be happy to know that you can easily and quickly laminate the edges of the countertop with a router. To trim it to size and smooth out the edges, I know you're supposed to use a router with a bit to cut laminate (and then a file to finish it off), however I was wondering if I … Insert your flush-cut bit. Bottom line; Benefits of using laminate router bits . Unplug the router. Adjust the cutting depth on your router. Cut through the laminate with a flush trim router bit. This will help you to make your work perfect and easy. First off, start by cleaning the countertop with whiskbroom then brush off the router’s base plate as well. 4.0 out of 5 stars 7. This will create a slightly chamfered edge that will make the edges of the countertop less sharp. Contents. It is undoubtedly an … 0 0. ursua. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Place a single layer of masking tape on the surface of the laminate along the router's path to prevent the router's base from scratching the laminate as you trim the edge. Best Router Bits Sets | MLCS, Freud, and Yonico Router Bits, How to Use Wood Router Bits | Router Bits for Beginners. Calmly make the cut. This is … Plastic laminate is a durable, waterproof covering often used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Formica sheets are between 1/16 and 1/32 of an inch (.15 and .08 cm) thick. Measure your countertop (and double check those measurements!) I plan on possibly repurposing the off fall for vanity tops in the 2 bathrooms upstairs. Best of luck with your work! They have the laminate on the top but non on the ends. It … $55.99 $ 55. A hole will have to be drilled through the Formica at the sink hole. Laminate countertop comes in stock sizes, from 4–12 ft (1.2–3.7 m) long, in 2 ft (0.61 m) intervals. I actually just ordered a set of new countertops and requested the extra material (off fall). What Are the Benefits of Using a Hand Saw? Originally designed to trim laminate countertop material, they weren’t the most versatile of tools when they came out around two decades ago. As content changes we review and correct issues and are responsive to our users needs. Use the lumber as a guide for the router bit. Woodworking with the Router, Revised and Updated: Professional Router Techniques and Jigs Any... Bosch 1617EVSPK Wood Router Tool Combo Kit - 2.25 Horsepower Plunge Router & Fixed Base Router Kit... DEWALT Router, Fixed Base, 1-3/4-HP (DW616). Using a trim router fitted with a laminate-cutting bit, cut the sheet along the mark. Although you can use a wood file to trim off laminate overhanging substrate edges, doing so takes a lot of time, and the results will likely not look professionally done. Check for clean and smooth surfaces. Awesome website, thanks a million for posting. After knowing other router bits which I have already explained, now I am going to discuss how to use a laminate router bit? When working with plastic laminate, like Arborite and Formica, the material is rather thick, so trimming off the excess requires the use of power tools. A trim router is the most versatile and lightweight tool. Trim routers normally require smaller bits for laminate trim. When installing these countertops, one of the most important aspects to know is how to trim and properly size the laminate. The top of the bit's guide bearing should be 1/16 inch below the bottom edge of the laminate surface you are trimming. Unplug the router. Place a single layer of transparent tape on the surface which … So I need a flush trim bit, but can I use that with any hand held router or do I need a special trim router for this application? Use a bevel bit for the top edge where the laminate pieces for the face and top join. The two most common types of router bits used for finishing laminate countertops are flush trim bits and beveled blade/chamfer bits. The file does go quick, just make sure you push the file towards the counter. If you are an older worker or a newbie, then maybe you don’t know about the usage of the router bits because these bits are trendy and come new in the market. How to use a tongue and groove router bit? As you know that every router bit has a specific purpose and functionality. I hope that this method will help you in your work and you learn a lot of new things. My vanities … before you start cutting. Tools needed: Laminate cutting blade for a utility knife - to cut and Trimline toothed saw blade for your circular saw or jigsaw Laminate cutting bit for your router.