cutting laminate

[Michael]

I want to cut laminate upto 3mm thick,but cant afford a Varga at the moment (although hope to get one soon if one comes up at the right price )

 

Anyone got any ideas or cheaper alternatives using ordinary saws?

[ironplanet uk900]

use your engraving machine to cut out the sizes you require.

[Michael]

I normally do but I decided to get some bigger sheets which the company cut into quarters for me.I wanted to cut a strip 8"x1.5". I was holding the sheet on the flatbed with a gripmat underneath and it didnt grip,the sheet moved and broke me router cutter

 

Had to cut with a hacksaw and tidy edges up with me scouring band.

 

Just thought there must be an easier way till I get some pennies together...

[Craig Gardner]

i gave up trying to cut the cheap way i tried rough cutting with a jig saw to a managable size then cut shapes out on the engraving machine. try using engravers tape rather than a stcky mat when cutting out. You can not beat a varga saw and beveler you will get your money back in no time compared to buying all plates precut.

Craig

[Martin56]

Hi,

Have a look at item number 150265725404 on ebay. Quick and easy to cut laminate. Or get a small bench saw, put a good quality laminate blade (gomex blade not cheap but very good quality) put masking tape on both sides (to stop scratching)

Or get an old screw driver, grind the end to a V shape bend slightly and you have a laminate scribe. Score a few times, bend and snap.

Hope this helps

Martin.

[ironplanet uk900]

I don't think there is a 100% succesful way of cutting out your laminate/brass without the proper tools....Maybe its time for a little more investment if you feel you have the call for this type of work.

 

Dig deep Michael.....you know it makes sense

[Danny King]

Varga all the way, Expensive yes but makes your life alot easier and job done alot quicker.

[hibsjo(SCO)]

you need to buy the varga its the nuts.

My mate has one he s been thinking about sellng it ill let you know if it becomes available.

carry on!

[Alan]

I have cut laminate on a small band saw about £30-£6o second hand, make sure it has an adjustable rip fence. you will need to be awake when using one not as safe as a varga

[kobblers]

if you're going to go the bandsaw way, you need a blade at least 5/8" wide to get fairly successful straight cuts, even with a solid rip fence as thin blades are more prone to wandering. the wider the blade the better! also, go for a blade with as many teeth per inch as you can as the more teeth, the finer the cut.

 

blades designed to leave a fine cut on metal are ideal but don't always come in wide sizes unfortunately.

 

if you're cutting a lot of material then keep an eye on the temperature of the blade as you don't want to be melting your laminates.

 

rick.

[petercoulson]

we used to cut fairly thick laminates with these:

 

http://www.megauk.com/shears.php

 

they also cut 1.6 brass fairly well and are a cheaper alternative until you can afford the varga, might be worth getting one anyway