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I am trying to take off 10 inches from a kitchen table

1K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  rosewood513 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hi all, I have a kitchen table that has a formica top. I want this to become my sewing table in my sewing room.
It is now 30" wide I need to take off at least 10" to make it look good and be useful.
Which way should I rip it on my table saw, top (formica side) down or up to lessen the chipping that is almost inevitable.
Has anyone tried cutting a fomica top? I figure top down am I right?
I will need to take off the lifts on the side, and the legs to make it easier to cut.
Thanks for any help
Ro
 
#2 ·
First run a piece of 1-1/2" or 2" masking tape the full length of your rip centered on the cut line. Formica up on the table saw since the teeth are traveling downward.

I may be wrong on this part, but I would use a sharp "cross-cut" or a "combination" style blade and move fairly slow. On my 10" saw I would reach for the 40-tooth or better.
 
#5 ·
I would cut formica side up about 1/8 inch too wide. Then lower the blade to NOT cut the formica, I would then flush trim the formica with a flush cut router bit and masking tape. I dont think you can cut the formica cleanly enough on a table saw. A router is the best bet for clean cut in laminate.
 
#6 ·
I think a good melamine blade would be the best way (i have an 80 tooth HiATB). Once it's cut, you will need to sand the edge because that stuff is sharp (so a little chip out won't matter). If you don't have a good blade, then cut a little proud and finish up with flush trim on the router like Dave just said.

Oh, top up like everyone else said…

Or…you could just score the formica (top down) and then flip and finish the cut.

A few ways to do this, none is wrong or the only way.
 
#8 ·
Thanks so much guys for your fast answers. What you all said is very believable, now that you said it, I remember something about the blades rip in a downward slice and the damage to the formica is minimal. It doesn't have to be perfect a little chipping won't hurt I will use the router if I need to or fudge it some way with some kind of edging.
It has to come out smooth but not altogether beautiful.
WTG guys, thanks!
Rosemarie
 
#10 ·
Good idea, when I had my cabinets donme they left me some formica and I used that to line some of my drayers and some shelves in another room, I did use the router to clean th edges,
Thanks for that. I will put all your ideas to use where I can.
 
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