THankws, I figured that a saw would likely make more a mess and that is also why I avoided using it. I wasn't so sure about snapping it as I wasn't totally sure it would snap the way I intended. The stuff wasn't horribly expensive, but I don't want to wast a lot of material either. Maybe I'll glue this piece I have on and file it down to the right size and yeah, I thought of the router, but of course I don't have a bit for that so the slow road it is for the minute. Thanks again.
On Aug 18, 2008, at 7:30 AM, Dale Leavens wrote: > You score the Formica along a straight line usually then just bend > it up to snap it off. The edge is very sharp usually. You should cut > it a little large then when stuck down you trim it down to precise > size. These days people usually use an edge trimming bit on a router > but a file sliding along the edge on a slight angle works equally > well if slower and I find I often finish with a file anyway. > > There is a special hooked knife with a carbide tip which drags along > very nicely and scores the material however the tip of a sharp > utility knife works well enough too. > > Sawing tends to chip and even crack the Formica or Arborite unless > it is well stuck down already and generally works better cutting > from the opposite side. > > Hope this helps. > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Scott Howell > To: [email protected] > Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 5:34 AM > Subject: [BlindHandyMan] sharp cutting tool > > Folks, I know this will sound a little crazy, but I'm trying to cut a > piece of material with a utility knife and it just doesn't seem to be > doing the job. Now this is a new blade, but let me explain what I'm > cutting and how I'm cutting it and maybe the how and what are the > problem. > > I purchased a sheet of material I believe it's formica, the same stuff > most counter tops are made from. I need to cut this to fit the end of > the counter top I am using as a desk. The guy at the store said a > utility knife should do the trick. I've made a few passes and then > tried digging in to cut through, but seems the knife first of all > wants to skid around on the surface and just scratch the material. I > then tried a really sharp pair of scissors which did help, but weren't > really sharp enough. Now I realize I could get my Dremmel or even > possibly my jig saw out, but I really was looking for a manual non- > powered tool for such a simple task. So, the question is, do they make > scissors that could be used for cutting material like this or is a > utility knife my best option? > > tnx > > Scott Howell > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG. > Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.4/1616 - Release Date: > 8/16/2008 5:12 PM > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > Scott Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
