Cutting Formica countertop
Usually, in order to embed the sink in the Formica countertop, call a special master.
You can save money, that is, you can cut the sink yourself, and it is not very difficult. To do this, you need to prepare in advance a certain set of tools and materials: a jigsaw or circular saw, drill or screwdriver, screwdriver, pliers, screw clamps, sealant.
Everything else that can come in handy, there is in every home. This is a pencil, a tape measure or ruler, etc.
Using Formica
Formica is a plastic laminate that comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. Homeowners prefer Formica to other materials because they can choose different colors, textures, and finishes. Formica is one of the most preferred materials for countertops. People use Formica because of its low cost, waterproofs, and ease of use. Formica is very versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used in the kitchen or in other areas of the home.
Insertion sink installation
Before installation: Carefully mark on the worktop the place where the sink is to be inserted. The countertop Formica must first be removed from the furniture. Although professionals can easily fit sinks to already installed countertops, you need maximum comfort when installing them yourself. The cut (mounting hole) for the sink can be made by a template that manufacturers attach to their products. But if there is no template, and you do not want to make it out of cardboard, you can put the sink to the countertop and trace the contour strictly along the edge of the sink. Then, step back from the planned edge inside 1-1,5 cm to spend another contour. It will be a working contour.
The next step is sawing the hole, the most responsible moment. If the tabletop is removed from the furniture, you need to put it so that it was convenient to saw. Next, drill holes with a drill with a diameter of 10 mm in the four corners of the planned line under the jigsaw blade. With the jigsaw strictly along the line saw the hole. After finishing sawing, carefully clean the cut from dust and sawdust. Now the place of the cut, cleared of foreign particles, must be carefully treated with sealant with a brush or spatula. This can be silicone, epoxy, or other sealants. The cut should be smeared without gaps, a homogeneous layer. In the future, this sealant will prevent water from getting inside the countertop and keep it from deteriorating.
Important: When making the cut, support the lower part of the tabletop with your hand so that its weight does not break out the remaining part – it will turn out uneven! If necessary, get a helper to support the part of the tabletop to be sawed out from underneath.
It is worth noting that the material from which the countertop is made, depends on what material to treat the edges. Silicone is used for stone countertops. It is also possible to apply alcohol sealants to wood or plastic. Be sure to allow time for the sealant to “cure”.
Tools for cutting already installed countertop
BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw
- Variable speeds of up to 3,000 SPM.
- Stroke length of 3/4-inch.
- Bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees.
4,8 Rating
Jigsaw features a 4.5 amp motor which provides plenty of power to complete tough tasks. With variable speeds of up to 3,000 SPM, this jigsaw can make fast cuts through wood, metal, or plastic for various applications with a stroke length of 3/4-inch. With a compact handle and a lightweight body, this tool has easy maneuvering and reduced vibration.
SKIL Circular Saw
- Powerful 15-amp motor.
- 5,300-RPM.
- 51-degree bevel capacity for a wide variety of cuts.
4,8 Rating
For the more experienced user who needs a powerful circular saw with advanced features. The 15-Amp motor has the power and performance you need to quickly cut lumber and sheet goods for a room addition, deck, and more. The single-beam laser guides cut with increased accuracy, while the integrated dust blower keeps the line of cut sawdust free.
Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk
It is great for kitchen, bath, window, doors, auto, marine plumbing, gutters, and more! Ready for water exposure in just 30 minutes, this waterproof sealant is mold & mildew resistant. The clear silicone sealant won’t yellow, shrink or crack over time!
Use Sharp Blades
The accuracy and success of your current project will largely depend on the sharpness of your blade. Reusing old blades for cutting countertops may be economical, but it’s not a good idea. Old blades are usually blunt, making them unsuitable for cutting laminate countertops. Blunt blades also ruin the resin. When the resin is ruined, sawing and sanding them later will be difficult.
Buy a new blade so that you can use blades sharp enough to get the job done. It’s better to buy an extra blade, significantly, if you’re cutting a tabletop out of thicker plastic. You may have to change the blade when you have problems with your fist blade.
Using sharp blades, you’ll be able to cut through Formica plastic countertops smoothly and reduce the chance of chipping. The new blades are worth it and will save you time.
Finishing step
Mounting: Put the countertop in place and fasten it. Now it is the turn to install the sink itself. It also sits on the countertop using silicone or a gasket that is sold with the sink. To do this, carefully smear the edges of the sink with silicone on the back or stick the gasket as close as possible to the edges of the sink. Then turn the sink over and place it in the hole on the countertop. Gently press the sink with the help of clamps or special fasteners that come with the sink and leave for a while to let it adhere. Then cut the sealant which has come out from under the sink or remove the excess silicone.
