Cutting
Cut Formica® laminates with a sharp, fine-toothed tenon or dovetail saw held at a low angle. Support the sheet over its entire length on both sides of the cut and as close as possible to it.
The saw must be sharp, otherwise excessive pressure could cause the sheet to split.
Alternatively, laminates can be cut using a scoring tool such as a Stanley knife with a hooked blade, a hooked scriber, or the corner of a chisel. Lay the sheet flat on a firm base, with the decorative side face-up. Score it by drawing the scoring tool along a straight-edge using firm pressure, and taking care not to scratch the surrounding decorative surface. Repeat this operation until the decorative surface is cut completely through, revealing the dark brown core. Break the sheet upwards against a rigid straight-edge.
Use a coping saw for cutting round mouldings, pipes, etc.
Planing
Trim off surplus edges using a small block plane with a low angle blade; this is more easily controlled with one hand than is a smoothing plane.
Hand Finishing
Use a fine file and a cabinet maker’s scraper for finishing edges.
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