Diablo's carbide jig saw blades deliver extreme durability and superior cutting life in highly abrasive material such as laminate flooring. High-performance carbide strip provides an unmatched up to 50X longer cutting life versus standard jig saw blades.
The Bosch T101BR jigsaw blade is an ideal choice for cutting laminate materials. The blade cuts on the down stroke, not on the upstroke, the “R” in the product code referring to its “reversed” teeth. This is a popular blade often referred to as a worktop blade.
DIABLO's bi-metal teeth jig saw blades are specifically designed for maximum durability and longer life in highly abrasive laminate applications. These high-performance blades feature an ultra-hardened cutting edge to deliver up to 5X longer life than standard blades.
Carbide tipped blades are best when cutting laminates and harder exotics. Quality blades can be re-edged or sharpened several times saving money.
The key to cutting through laminate flooring without chipping it, is to use a fine tooth blade. Some recommend at least 18 teeth per inch on a hand saw to prevent chipping, whilst others recommend at least a 30 teeth per inch blade for a jigsaw.
Circular saws can be quick and efficient tools for cutting laminate flooring, especially if you're comfortable using one. Handsaw. A standard handsaw can be used to precisely cut laminate should you not have access to power or power saws.
To make cutting more manageable, you can stick masking tape along the face side of the cut and let the tape stick out along the sides of the Formica® laminate sheet where the saw starts to cut. This will reduce the chance of error and chipping.
You see, laminate flooring will destroy a wood cutting blade with alternating top bevel (ATB) teeth in no time at all. The sharp points on this type of blade can't handle anything that hard – they dull quickly and those tips are what the blade uses to cut cleanly through wood.
Always use a fine toothed blade and have the saw blade spinning before you touch the board. Pro-tip: test the direction of the teeth on the saw blade of your jigsaw. It'll show you if you have to saw up or down with the board's design. By doing this, you'll always get a nice cut.
Blades with a small number of large teeth are ideal for solid wood. Blades with a large number of smaller teeth are ideal for iron and laminated chipboard. The second parameter to look at when choosing a blade is material thickness and shape of cut. This means either straight, curved or circular cuts.
Learning how to install laminate flooring is an ideal project for DIYers and can instantly help upgrade your home. Laminate can be cut with a hand saw, circular saw or flooring cutter. Plus, most laminate flooring comes in planks that simply snap together with a tongue-and-groove system.
The proper tool is essential because a normal saw or knife will cause chipping and vinyl ears. However, if you want to cut odd shapes rather than just straight lines, you can use a jigsaw instead. You'll also need a utility knife, measuring tape, a square tool, and a straightedge.
The Bosch EXPERT Laminate clean T128BHM Jigsaw Blade is a top performing blade for laminate work. Because of its very long lifespan, it is also a clear best choice for professionals who are fed up of wasting money on jigsaw blades that don't last.
Bahco Laminate Saw 20 Inch - the ideal hand saw for cutting laminate flooring.
A Carbide Tooth blade with 80 or more TPI (teeth per inch) and a positive 5 degree hook angle, like the DW3128 . Laminate flooring is very hard on carbide and will dull the teeth faster than other material. If the DW3128 becomes dull, it can be sharpened.
Almost any type of utility knife is suitable for cutting laminate, including a carpet knife, but make sure that the blade is sharp. That's why, a carpet knife is usually the best option because it is often much sharper than other standard utility knives.
Laminate flooring is made from several layers of compressed materials (high-density fibreboard) strengthened with resin and with a printed image of wood on top covered by a clear wear layer to protect the image. Engineered wood flooring is made from several layers of wood, with a layer of solid hardwood on top.
Using a jigsaw
It is essential to make clean cuts when fitting laminate panels, and that is not possible with a regular jigsaw blade. Fortunately, there are jigsaw blades available that have reverse teeth. These blades will cut the laminate on the downstroke instead of the upstroke, which prevents chipping.
Formica is glued to plywood in the manufacturing of kitchen countertops or any time a waterproof surface is needed. Contact cement is used to glue Formica to plywood; wood glue will not work. Contact cement bonds permanently on contact and provides the necessary barrier to prevent moisture from penetrating.
Choosing the right cutting blade is critical for clean cuts in laminate flooring. While jigsaw blades may chip the material, circular saw blades are less prone to this issue.
If using a panel saw, clamp the board in a workbench, ensuring that the board is face up and saw. Only use pressure and/or cut on the downward strokes.
Laminate Cutter, Chop Saw, or Table Saw. Once you know the dimensions and square footage of the room, you'll need to cut the flooring into the appropriate sizes. Some contractors prefer a laminate cutter, while others prefer a chop saw or table saw.