can a router cut out a sink or will it clog up?

Answer 1

Yes, you can use a router, but a jig saw is faster and easier to control. If you go into any counter fabrication company they use routers to trim laminates, to cut out sink openings and to make the recesses on the backs for bolts to hold butt joints and miters together. But these companies have jigs to guide the router and proper carbide bits to do the cutting.

Answer 2

Assuming you are cutting a laminate top with particle board, sure. Make a template out of plywood and a plunge router would work best. But in all honesty, a jig saw is simpler. Many sinks come with a template, at least measurements for the hole. Use masking tape to draw the hole, then drill a starter hole, cut the sides, then screw a scrap piece of wood a bit wider than the cutout to the center of the hole. That will support the cut out while you the front and back.

One important thing, get a downcut jigsaw blade. Jigsaws normally cut on the upstroke, but the normal blade could chip the laminate. Downcut blade reduces the risk of chipping.

Answer 3

If it is a post formed laminate counter top, mark out your cut on the top and use a 3/4 inch or larger spade bit at the corners. drill the holes so the circumference of the bit is inside your layout lines. Then use a jig saw following your layout lines to connect the holes. The holes give your jig saw a place to make an easy 90 degree turn and it matches the radius of the corners of a drop in sink. It also helps prevent any cracking of the countertop at those corners.

Answer 4

Router won't clog but it will take a number of passes to get through the wood. Much more efficient (and less messy) way is to use a jigsaw. Draw your template, make sure to leave enough for sink lip to sit on. Drill a pilot hole large enough for th jigsaw blade to fit any where in the sink cutout. Also Jigsaw will allow you to cut through the plywood & hardybacker all in one shot

Answer 5

yes it can. but as others have said it makes a lot more and much finer dust you will need something to follow as well. when i cut my laminated worktop for a std square type s/s sink i first drilled 4 large holes for the corners used insulating tape between the holes for a guide(it also helps to limit the surface chipping) i used a jig saw run at high speed, but slow travel and it came out nice and neat. be careful of your choice of blades, you can get down cut blades (even less chance of chipping) but if you use up cut get the ones that are ground so they taper towards the back do not use blades that have the teeth splayed or you will get a messy rough cut. if you drill holes (good for starting and give good corners) a little chipping doesn't matter as the sink should cover it. however if you meant to say an inset basin then take extra care not to rush it. you can use pretty much anything to seal the edges p.v.a., paint, varnish. if it soaks in and dries there is no way in for water.

forgot to say if you drill hole/s clamp a block underneath and drill into it or you will get splits or flaking when you break through

Answer 6

Right - The best way is to very carefully measure your opening draw it on the worksurface and either buy a router jig (£100 roughly) and do the opening or Drill 4 holes,one in each corner and use a jigsaw with a downward cutting wood blade. this will prevent splintering in the worktop finish.
Take your time and you will be ok.
Tip when you have cut your opening, seal the exposed wood with a wood sealer or failing that a couple of coats of neat pva.
Have Fun

Answer 7

Yes you can, I'd make a template out of 9-12 mm mdf

I do the same when i'm fitting wooden wortops over a belfast sink, the finish is much nicer, no sanding required. If you are fitting a overmount sink I'd just use a jigsaw and a plunge saw as it doesn't have to be really pretty if it is going to be hidden

Answer 8

I assume that you are cutting an opening in a particle board type of counter top. The fastest way is with a sabre saw. A router would work but would take longer and may not be as accurate plus you have sawdust flying all over due to high speed of router.

Answer 9

Yes it could be done, but you would need a special jig as doing it freehand would be a big mistake, it's much easier to cut out with a jigsaw, just drill a 8-10 mm hole on one of the edges and drop the jigsaw in and away you go, TIP, before marking the hole place masking tape around where the cut out is going to be, it prevents the top from splintering.

Answer 10

i take it you mean cut out a hole for a sink,and yes if so you can use a router,better using a jig-saw though and if you haven't got a down-stroke jigsaw blade,don't forget to turn the worktop upside down to avoid chipping the best side?