"Trimming" The Edge Of A Fitted Worktop

[T5R+]

Have to take 22mm off the edge of a fitted worktop and unsure best approach.

It is to create more space to slide in a 2nd fridge freezer and allow for dooors to open.

Unsure if to buy a good handsaw (recommendations welcome given the restricted space and awkward back handed cut) or speciliased jigsaw blade (do not have a router).

Advice appreciated.

[miniman]

Ideally use a circular saw and clamp a straight edge to the worktop to guide the saw. However you would have to remove the worktop first. Not sure you will get a great result without doing so.

You could also try one of these:



but it might be a big investment for a small cut!

If the cut isn't perfect, you can use one of these strips to hide the edge:

Edited by miniman on Tuesday 11th October 12:06

[Simpo Two]

I'm not with you, the edge is already flush with the end panel. Or do you want to move that in 22mm as well? Or do you mean the back edge?

[T5R+]

miniman said:

If the cut isn't perfect, you can use one of these strips to hide the edge:

Edited by miniman on Tuesday 11th October 12:06

Have one ready - just in case.

Simpo Two said:

I'm not with you, the edge is already flush with the end panel. Or do you want to move that in 22mm as well? Or do you mean the back edge?

Sorry, end panel would move across as well BUT can get away with leaving the upstand untouched.

[jjones]

worktop off and circular saw would be best bet

[mgtony]

A circular saw will get you to within a couple of inches of the wall, but cutting from the top you'll ideally need a fine tooth blade and some masking tape over the cut to minimise break-out. Also tape up under where the saw base is to avoid it scratching the worktop.Finish the cut of back-handed with a hand saw.
As for a straight edge guide, as you can only clamp at te front, use an off-cut of sheet material, the larger the better. Push it tight to the back wall the use two or more clamps along the front edge. Keep both hands on the circular saw!

[Simpo Two]

What about taking 22mm off the OTHER end (it may not show) and moving the whole thing across?

[ColinM50]

If you can get it off easy then take it to a kitchen fitter or even B&Q and get them to cut it for you. Easier and cheaper than buying expensive tools for one cut. And btw, don't bother with the Bosch multi tool thingy. I bought one last week to cut a chipboard floor and a bag of chips would cut it quicker. Crap tool, very disappointing on a chipboard floor so would be a disaster on a chipboard worktop.

[PoleDriver]

Use one of these in a jigsaw. If you can, clamp a piece of 2x1 down on the good side of the worktop to act as a guide.



This blade is shaped so that the Jig saw will cut all the way to the wall and should also have downward facing teeth to cut on the down stroke, minimising edge damage. Put masking tape on the edge anyway to protect it. Being quite a 'chunky' blade means that it is easier to kep a smooth edge!

HTH

[Landlord]

What about a nice hefty router with a straight cutting bit?

Also, remember to score along the cut line so you don't get chips out of the melamine.

[gowmonster]

whatever happens, put masking tape on the bit you are cutting to ensure it doesn't damage the surface, and if possible use downward strokes when sawing if using a manual saw.

[Blakeatron]

Stop pussying around just get a decent alligator saw and go for it - job done in under 5 minutes.

[Simpo Two]

ColinM50 said:

And btw, don't bother with the Bosch multi tool thingy. I bought one last week to cut a chipboard floor and a bag of chips would cut it quicker. Crap tool, very disappointing on a chipboard floor so would be a disaster on a chipboard worktop.

Ridiculous even to consider using it to cut kitchen worktop. It's a small scale, not very powerful but clever get-out-jail free tool which is brilliant on small scale work when nothing else gets in.

[Blakeatron]

Simpo Two said:

Ridiculous even to consider using it to cut kitchen worktop. It's a small scale, not very powerful but clever get-out-jail free tool which is brilliant on small scale work when nothing else gets in.

We have the fein multitool and that has been used to cut worktops - as with everything the right blade helps. Not seen the bosch so cannot comment but the fein did a great job!

[Jasandjules]

Remove the worktop and then it's whatever you will get the straightest line with, if you are good enough with a saw then so be it, but a router would be far better IMHO...... You can buy strips of "worktop" to glue on the edge of worktops to replace the bit you cut off.

[tim0409]

Simpo Two said:

ColinM50 said:

And btw, don't bother with the Bosch multi tool thingy. I bought one last week to cut a chipboard floor and a bag of chips would cut it quicker. Crap tool, very disappointing on a chipboard floor so would be a disaster on a chipboard worktop.

Ridiculous even to consider using it to cut kitchen worktop. It's a small scale, not very powerful but clever get-out-jail free tool which is brilliant on small scale work when nothing else gets in.

Correct. I have one and it is excellent for the small, awkward jobs it was designed for - I wouldn't use it to rip a length of timber, but then I wouldn't use a pair of nail clippers either.

Edited by tim0409 on Tuesday 11th October 18:44

[rufusgti]

Mental answers!!

I'm going to hazzard a guess that you dont have a replacement laminate strip for the worktop? And if its a few years old you wont find one.
Therefore your only choice is the metal end strip. And as that covers your cut, just grab a handsaw and chop it off where you want it. No need to buy any fancy tools.

[-Pete-]

The only way to do it properly IMO is take it off, and cut the other end. I'd use masking tape, a straight edge guide and a circular saw from the bottom side. I don't see how you can cut it in place, unless you're willing to put a metal strip over it.

Have you considered buying a 50cm wide fridge freezer? Or if that's what you're looking at already, why not pull it forwards with the door hinged to the left so it can open?

[Simpo Two]

-Pete- said:

The only way to do it properly IMO is take it off, and cut the other end.

I said that!

-Pete- said:

why not pull it forwards with the door hinged to the left so it can open?

Hinged to the right surely?

[-Pete-]

Simpo Two said:

-Pete- said:

The only way to do it properly IMO is take it off, and cut the other end.

I said that!

-Pete- said:

why not pull it forwards with the door hinged to the left so it can open?

Hinged to the right surely?

I was agreeing with you. And some other posts. I didn't realize you had a monopoly on cutting the other end suggestions

My AEG ones can be assembled with the handle and hinges either side. It's a pain to change them, but it's not like you change it that often.