Formica all-in-one counter top and blacksplash Question

Sherleemah

I want to install a new tile back splash but my existing backsplash is an all-in-one piece of laminate with the counter top. It curves ever so slightly at the 45 degree angle where the wall meets the counter. I would like to cut it at that curve so that I can lay tile at directly on the countertop and have a proper 45 degree angle when the job is complete. What tool would I use to cut the laminiate in that curve?

framer52

I always remove the countertop and use a circular saw.

sdsester

And lay down some wide masking or even duct tape where you will make the cut to help keep the laminate in place if a tip of the saw blade tries to lift it loose. Make sure you have a nice, SHARP, saw blade.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

bareshiyth

Been about 10 - 15 years since I cut formica laminate counters (with the formed backsplash), but soon I'm going to be doing it again. Seems I recall always cutting from the bottom so the saw blade cuts INTO the laminate. Is that not a better/safer way than from the top and using tape to thwart/limit chipping? And a high tooth count carbide blade?
That's a question I've been worrying about as the job approaches.

Duckweather

From what you describe I am not sure if you are talking about a postformed counter top. If you are, the radius you talk about would be out more than tile will cover. The backsplash should be about 3/4" thick no matter how you cut it. Formica is a dying method, but if you can find a supplier, or maybe on line, there used to be tools, somewhat like a utility knife, with a piece of carbide in the tip. It scores a knife like groove in the surface and the formica can snap like glass. The base material is usually particle board with a joint in the corner that we used to bend and snap it off after scored. Again this is a guess as I can't tell if you have a postformed from the description.