saw melamine | no chip | woodworking | dave stanton | how to basics

[@DavidStanton]

I could have been extra safe doing the through cut on the table saw by using my gripper push block. As not everyone can afford a gripper and melamine is a slippery product, the main thing is to use a push stick or block that has a non slip surface. And keep your wits about you!

[@CharlieFrank13]

David Stanton have you ever made any push blocks?

[@avibank]

Thanks!

[@bambam-cm8we]

First I'd like to say thanks for the very informative video, and the safety tips. But on that note, and I don't mean to be "that guy". When you made the cut around the 4:30 Mark i was a little uneasy watching it. Using push blocks to move material is correct 👌 but I personally think placing the the material the other way so that the smaller off cut is not between the blade and fence, with the push pads and a table saw that has any movement/flex in the fence you can possibly rotate/ angle the material and can cause the fence and blade into a "wedge" arrangement, causing kickback, and other serious injuries. The larger piece allows a direct push forward with a hook style push block or push stick and maintaining as much distance between the squishy and the choppy. This suggestion/ critique comes from personal experience with Makita site saw (MLT100) where I was extremely lucky and can still count to 10 and not 6 if you know what I mean 😉 Again I apologise if I seem pedantic, thanks again for taking the time to share your videos. 👍

[@billjuss5331]

What a Great Teacher you are Mr. David Stanton, Even I am now ready to try cutting melamine without chipping.

[@DavidStanton]

You can do it!

[@kevvyg04]

You have a new subscriber from the North East UK 🇬🇧 many thanks, easy to follow, no jargon, just how it is 👍🏻 cheers mate

[@DavidStanton]

Awesome, thank you!

[@dannyboy9817]

Thanks so much for sharing this. You've no idea how much time I have wasted, trying to cut melamine cleanly - scoring the surface with a utility knife, cutting slightly oversize, then trimming the edge to finished size with a straight cutting router bit, running against a straight edge. It works but takes so long to set up for each cut. Wish I had seen this before now. Will try it on plywood too. Thanks again. Great videos!!

[@DavidStanton]

I hope it works well for you!

[@swakkevandingenen8876]

Good job David Fantastic teaching

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you kindly!

[@3588only]

Today, I just cut couple white laminated boards pieces, which I dismantled from disposed school white laminated office desks. I didn't check it out first on You Tube, so I spoiled the boards with chipped edges. This is cool, thanks.

[@DavidStanton]

Wonderful!

[@twjull]

David by far the best explanation on how to cut melamine! I just figured it out on my own how to cut melamine. However the scribe cut is one I'm going to add to the process.

[@DavidStanton]

Glad to help Terry!

[@JoshNtheedrifter]

Got cut twice for my first time working with melamine... the edges are surprisingly sharp!

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks French Manners!

[@jacksonroad9263]

Woah nice worshop. Well organised

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you

[@Antiorganizer]

Nice shop. Great engaging and illustrative demonstration. Picked up multiple things here, thanks for that! I prefer to use sticks instead of those spongy grabbers though. I can't imagine slipping and then oops.

[@bboyyutaka]

thank you so much for doing this video i love all your festool tools

[@DavidStanton]

My pleasure!

[@vladimerputin7911]

Your workshop is epic

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you!

[@OfficiallyTonyGianni]

Beautiful Shop! Thanks for the tips!

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Tony Gianni!

[@Chris-de7tv]

Thanks for the tip mate. I was frustrated that while using a similar blade (not as good as yours but same tooth setup). With a zero clearance insert i was getting a clean bottom but the top was not great at all. Using your method instantly perfect no chips at all. Will have to shout you a drink at the next wood show.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment Max. I may just take you up on that beer!

[@tomasbenipayo5063]

I like your set up woodworking sir, from phillipines

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you very much!

[@markvogt9462]

Awesome tip Dave. You were born to be in front of the camera doing what you love to do. Envious, yet inspired to practice what you preach. Keep up the fantastic work. Many thanks from Austin, TX - Live music capital of the world!

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you for your enthusiastic reply Mark!

[@ferencgacsi773]

Good idea, we've been doing this for a long time, it works with any kind of material and blade(carbide tipped of course), the most important thing is that your saw's rise and fall mechanism and alignment needs to be PERFECT if you want perfect results...the sawblade's distance from the fence has to be exactly the same at both(lower and higher) positions. Be safe, have a good day!

[@mateenlive]

Ingenious Tip Sir I have tried this for my recent project and found Awesome results Keep it up Mr. Devid

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you, I will

[@0101011el]

Hi Dave, j just ran across your video and used your method to cut a melamine shelf and even tried it on a Formica countertop and it worked great without chipouts. Awesome! Thank you!

[@DavidStanton]

Fantastic!

[@manoochehrm5897]

A very nice and professional job, thanks

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment Manoochehr M!

[@deeniks]

you been very great mate on gving the dtail knowladge of your expertise.. Seriously, I really loved your videos..

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Dinesh Patel!

[@michaeldillon4070]

I bought a new Blade with 40 plus teeth and that makes a difference to cutting melamine cleanly too.

[@musababur2555]

MAN YOURE THE BEST.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment musa babur!

[@johnvodopija]

Legendary tips! Thank you sir. Cheers 👍😎🇦🇺

[@DavidStanton]

Any time!

[@Norwegianwoodworker]

Nice tip. Just made my own Ikea hack shelf with white melamine and just at you showed it teared out. Only wish I had seen this 6 hours ago :) But i will keep it in mind to the next time. Greatings from Norway.. TR

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the feedback. It works a treat!

[@oneelevenwoodworks]

Thanks for this video! It was very thorough and exactly what I was looking for! And I love your accent by the way! :-D Hello From Canada 🇨🇦

[@DavidStanton]

Hey, thanks!

[@williba24]

30 years ago I fitted out my kitchen with purchased door and drawer fronts from a company closing down and making the carcass for both myself . So I asked a fitter how to keep melamine boards from chipping on a saw cut, he advised buying a router, which I did and was amazed how well the finish was. I now have a small table saw and have purchased a triple tooth saw blade and look forward to see if the results are comparable with the router.

[@Orcinus1967]

How did that work out?

[@srivath1984]

u have such an amazing workshop :)

[@DavidStanton]

Thank you Srivath!

[@clavicus]

After cutting melamine for the first time and not having great results, I love your enthusiasm about those clean edges :)

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment CKH!

[@matteoscalon2337]

Hi Dave,Today I tried your tip about cutting melamine while I was doing a drill press table ...I didn’t use a melamine blade ... I had a rip blade on and..... NO chip at all ...Thank you for the tip much appreciate Please keep doing the good job RegardsMatteo

[@DavidStanton]

Glad it went well with the rip blade Matteo!

[@Filmchippy]

I've always done a scoring cut anyway when using a sliding mitresaw , best way to get a clean cut. I have noticed the since having a Kapex it isn't as important as it cuts pretty clean anyway

[@pleaseusernamework]

What kinda blade do you use for clean cuts?

[@iansheppard9264]

Thanks David. I am just about to start building my own kitchen cabinets and was wondering how i was going to get chip free cuts without expensive single use equipment... Its my 1st attempt and probably a one off and i dont mind taking a little longer to get great results.... Legend

[@DavidStanton]

Glad to help

[@ba4367]

just tried this with my stacked dado on particle board laminated on both sides making half-laps.....awesome! absolutely no chips, even with heavily used dado blades.

[@DavidStanton]

Good to hear it worked for you B A !

[@316woodworks9]

You are amazing, mate!

[@edwardadams8264]

Would this method work on a track saw?

[@ianwatson9032]

Could you use this method with a track saw or a circular saw with guide rails?

[@DavidStanton]

Yes, absolutely. I do have a video on my channel showing you how. Do a quick search.

[@panayiotiskoutoulas1753]

Do you have a video for a full assembly of a melamine cabinet

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Panayiotis Koutoulas. There will be plenty on my second channel. kzbin.info/door/p-uQhW2V24r7djg_9gXRNQvideos

[@sneakyblackdog]

nice tip, must be why the premium track saws have a scribing setting to cut back on tear out

[@Swimmer090660]

Amazing workshop. By your title, "no chip", I was hoping to find out if I should cut from the reverse side or the facing side of delicate material (e.g. bead board). I've seen men tape the side to be cut as to decrease or eliminate any potential chipping. I'll continue investigating your channel for this particular query of mine. Great work, by the way! Fantastic teaching, all the best.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Swimmer090660!

[@vishwasdixit6107]

Thanks for the trick. 👍 What blade should i use?

[@DavidStanton]

Vishwas Dixit, any crosscut design blade with sharp teeth.

[@avibank]

Such good info. Subscribed

[@DavidStanton]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Scrap wood!

[@bigpapaporsche1]

Great technique! I have a project now that I can use this procedure on, wish me luck. Thanks

[@DavidStanton]

Good luck Pat Maundrell !

[@gatsbylee2773]

Curious if it can be done with circular saw. Thank you for the video.

[@DavidStanton]

Yes Gatsby Lee, but great care needed and the correct blade required.

[@noahschmartz2354]

brilliant tip with the arc mate, I only do finish work now and again as am more of a first n second fix man, dont have table saw so i use skill saw and straight edge . Same principal shud work tho just that the first 3mm cut will be my upper side of the shelf. Its been hard on me cause ive been having to work with the shelf upside down, this is going to save a tonne of time and stress.

[@DavidStanton]

Sounds like a plan Noah Schmartz

[@fernard8985]

Hello, how many teeth should the blade have in order to make a perfect cut? I’ve used a CMT one with 48T and even when using this method the cut isn’t ideal. It’s good enough but i wouldnt put that board anywhere else than in my garage.

[@pleaseusernamework]

Do you need a melamine saw blade or is a regular wood 60 T good clean cut for drawer fronts?

[@DavidStanton]

It depends on how clean a cut you want. I like to use a special melamine blade but they don't hold their sharpness as long as conventional blades. Add to one function and subtract from another.

[@bcoms2425]

Really enjoy your enthusiasm, David.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Brett!

[@nickbeukers4336]

That was great Dave ,really love your channel

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Nick!

[@phil3332]

some people do the first lower "score" on both side first, then the last cut straight through the melamine

[@woodstock1769]

This is brilliant video, good man thanks😁

[@DavidStanton]

Glad it helped

[@MovieMakingMan]

What type of blade are you using?

[@DavidStanton]

just a fine tooth blade for cross cutting.

[@bstamand1985]

On my router when I don't have a compression bit, I use down cut half of it and up cut through it in a second pass.

[@DavidStanton]

That can work...if you have a steady hand.

[@bstamand1985]

@@DavidStanton oh it's a CNC router

[@DavidStanton]

Auto change on the spindle?

[@bstamand1985]

@@DavidStanton yea it's a Holzher Dynasty I think. I didn't spec it. I wish they got tool change on the y axis. Coming from the machining world, I like blistering fast tool changes.

[@prakashsamputh1031]

Hi Dave, thanks for this excellent tip. I am a newbie and have only a circular saw. Can I have perfect cut on white melamine board using this same technique. I don’t have a table saw. Also what kind of blade should I buy to clean cut melamine please? Awaiting your reply. Thanks 🙏

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Prakash Samputh! It depends on a few things and one is a good blade that doesn't wobble at all. Buy a blade designed for fine cut finish work, not a rip blade or combination blade.

[@prakashsamputh1031]

Wow that was quick. Thanks a lot for your prompt reply. I’ll buy a new disc today. Cheers and keep up with your tutorials. You’re a great inspiration and a very good instructor.

[@enricoferri4916]

Great video really well done, thanks for the instruction.

[@DavidStanton]

No problem 👍

[@MovieMakingMan]

Could you use this blade to cut melamine with a circular saw and a straight edge?

[@DavidStanton]

yes.

[@eddomak]

Thanks for the video Dave! I have been watching your videos for a while now (especially as I am based in Sydney and some reviews of products available locally is good) and have enjoyed them and learnt a lot. It was only after watching this particular video that it occurred to me to score first using my track saw. Did it this weekend to great effect! Thanks again! P.S. my kids love the videos where Barry the Pug makes an appearance.

[@DavidStanton]

It is exactly the same principle eddomak, glad to be of some help. Don't show your kids this link if they like my pugs, it will cost you money! www.designbyhumans.com/shop/DaveStanton/

[@BoysenDimalanta]

nice very informative please show how to cut melamine surface on a curve shaped like a bullet shaped counter top. thanks

[@termitehards]

masha Allah... an amazing hack, thank you brother, I’ve also shared this with my woodworking friends, subbed 😉

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the sub!

[@braeve8514]

Love the content 👍 i just started my project in melanine with a tracksaw and scribe cutting. Results are perfect with special blade from cmt. Only not sure if its normal after cutting some fullsize built in cabinets its already getting dull. Also happens with your blades?

[@DavidStanton]

Interesting point Braeve. Melamine is extremely hard...one of the benefits of using it but the trade off is blade dulling quicker.

[@peterkiernan1668]

Nice tip David. Festool track saw does a fine cut as well. Any tips on cutting Laminate sheets with table saw. Keep up the great videos.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Peter! I will look into your question. I usually score and snap laminate.

[@Phartan117]

First, let me say that I love your videos. I'm super excited about the MiterSet since seeing it featured in a previous video, but while I do agree that this technique will work as I've used it in the past, I find it's fairly impractical if you're doing a lot of cutting of various sized parts as it essentially doubles the amount of passes required. Still, it does work though.

[@DavidStanton]

One of the great things about Mitreset for me is that I can jump straight in to get my mitre gauge perfect every time I change an angle. Thanks for watching!

[@MargatePete6137]

Top tip Dave 👍 Cheers.....Peter.

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Peter!

[@MrMakhitta]

how about routing with handrouter and plywood template into melamin? I need to rout into a edgebanded melamine board to make space for a Gola aluminium handlerail for handleless kitchen cabinet. Would a 2 mm first routing cut prevent splintering, and make it possible to rout from one side only, or should i rout from both sides?

[@MsMaximus69]

hi wonderful chanel been learning a lot since my grandpa gave me his woodworking tools when he passed away do you have and free plans for jigs that could make life a little bit safer and easier.

[@funguy4900]

Very impressive shop

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Michael!

[@claudiofornaroMusic]

Excellent .

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Claudio Fornaro!

[@johnlawrence8595]

Dave, I am wanting to cut 6cm off a 50cm laminated laundry bench top, my problem is I can’t remove it as it is tiled and plumped in, is there any way to d it with out chipping the edge

[@DavidStanton]

Interesting point John Lawrence,. I would use a score and snap carbide tipped knife against a straight edge, then a track saw positioned so the outside of the blade lines up with the bottom of the score. Then a very good blade in a multi tool to finish the cut off.

[@IsaKocoglu]

You beauty! Thanks for the pro tip Dave!

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Isa!

[@johnmeinhardt-jensen7713]

Where can I buy triple cut blade? Google is not terribly helpful, giving me stores that do not even have them.

[@DavidStanton]

Interesting point. www.carbatec.com.au/cmt-saw-blade-300-x-30-x-96t-melamine-and-chipboard?aff=3

[@eltoronegro]

What is the hearing protection you are wearing? Is that an antenna?

[@mjwoodcrafts1156]

great tip david

[@kevinmorris3086]

Great advice

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment kevin morris!

[@razer192]

How do I cut it when I need to cut shapes I am making a cocktail arcade table

[@DavidStanton]

Use a spiral down cutter in a router and follow a jig.

[@smnhpkns]

thanks for the great tips as always.

[@DavidStanton]

Glad to help Simon!

[@dimitrif5739]

Hi David. Great video on cutting clean edges. Do you have on which cover cutting with a hole saw?

[@DavidStanton]

Not yet, but will look into it for you.

[@ants5824]

Dave want to ask you the size blade i need for dewalt portable table saw ?

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Quite your mind! Well, which one?

[@ants5824]

@@DavidStanton Its the DE7491 it says 254mm blade but they only have 250 on that site , which blade exactly would you recommend im new to building my own built in wardrobe , i have a festool track saw for my cross cuts , just want to make sure i get those cuts right for edging , also was thinking buying a portable edge bander , do you think iron on is good enough ?

[@DavidStanton]

4 mm less on diameter is nothing, it is only 2 mm less depth of cut. I use iron on.

[@ants5824]

@@DavidStanton ok thanks

[@genemyers9174]

Dave, watched almost all of your videos and love your way of guiding folks through different processes Can you share with me what material you use on you big table tops and if it is seamed or not. I like the rounded edges and assume it may be Formica. Thanks for a great channel.

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Gene, thanks for watching! Yes to formica...from laminate industries in Australia. Have a look here, I think I go into it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmnUdYGblKmFg7c

[@jason4547]

Is that UHMW on your saw fence ? If so where can you buy that ?

[@DavidStanton]

The fence came with the saw.

[@geoffreycoombe1387]

Thanks that was very helpful

[@DavidStanton]

My pleasure Geoffrey Coombe !

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Good info - tell me Dave who makes your countertops with the rounded edge? Some of your surfaces are quite wide so I assume they aren't big box store kitchen tops - thx mate

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Jeff. Laminex industries in Australia are who I ordered with and they farm out to specialised joinery shops.

[@elvisoshaughnessy1255]

Hi Dave, is it possible to use the same technique with 40 teeth saw blade,I'm not a wood worker but certainly I'm a DIY person

[@DavidStanton]

Yes Elvis. This method will give you a cleaner cut to the underside of the board in comparison to a single pass cutting right through.

[@elvisoshaughnessy1255]

Cheers mate

[@geoffkershaw6529]

I have the same saw as yours. I'm having difficulty in finding a riving knife to suit. Where did you obtain yours. Also I noticed you have a better saw guard which looks like a Sawstop type. Is this correct and if so what model number. Thank you in advance for any assistance.

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Geoff. I purchased my riving knife from Carbatec and also the blade guard from them. I had to retro fit the guard onto my splitter. Code is SST-TSGDC

[@CharlieFrank13]

Great video👍🏼 What is the white saw fence made out of if you don’t mind me asking?

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Monte. It is polyethylene.

[@mjwoodcrafts1156]

please do a workshop tour

[@DavidStanton]

Pretty soon!

[@mjwoodcrafts1156]

sweet

[@KwizatsHaderach]

Very informative, thank you very much. I wil use this to my advantage. Just wanted to know what type of blade you are using in the kapex?

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Arjan! The blade in the kapex is the standard blade it came with.

[@jonnymandoonthemove157]

Hi David, Just subscribed. I saw your Jessum saw fence feed roller magnet jig. I am building that for my shop. Quick question is there a method or service, if it makes sense, to have some of my 12” 60T Freund saw blades sharpened. Just wondering what you do on sharpening or if you do it. Keep up the good work.

[@DavidStanton]

Hi Jonny Mando On The Move. I send mine out to a saw doctor. If you are in New south wales, try Henry brothers.

[@satyamgoness3079]

Hi David, I only have a 4" circular saw. Can it be used for absolute clean cut?

[@DavidStanton]

Hi New identity. I have never seen a 4 inch circular saw. What make and model is it? Have you had it long? Have you tried using it to cut sheet goods?

[@satyamgoness3079]

hi David, I have a 4" Hitachi CM4SB2 tile cutter, similar to circular saw which i use to cut planks and plywoods using 4" blades. i wanted to know if it is possible to use it to make clean cuts the way you do in your videos? i've not yet tried it because i have not yet bought the melamine plywoods. i wanted to know if its possible first, then i'll buy the melamine plywood. Thank you. I am a small handyman with not so much tools as you do and try to make as much as i can with the small quantity of tools i have. thanks for your help.

[@DavidStanton]

I don't know if the saw will spin the blade fast enough to achieve the cut as your saw would be designed for masonry, not timber. I doubt there is a saw blade on the market for it. I am sorry that I don't have any answers for you. Go to a kitchen company and ask if they have some scrap that you can try it out on.

[@satyamgoness3079]

thank you very much David. i'll keep you in touch.

[@stevemtownjr]

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. One quick question, what did you mean by "edge tape" at the end ?

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks stevemtownjr! Iron on edge tape.

[@Adkiz69]

you sir are my hero :D

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks for the compliment Adkiz69!

[@sandza89]

Thank you!

[@DavidStanton]

You're welcome!

[@grandmastermicochero]

Dave... are you using the FLAI Mustang Multi Material Saw Blades in your video?

[@brianc5691]

The Kapex tip is gold David. But am I right in thinking the promac blade is only for small jobs ?

[@DavidStanton]

Thanks Brian. The Promac blade is for commercial use, 3,200 lineal metres of cut between sharpening!

[@brianc5691]

Wow. The double handling of material would add up in man hours though. Would still rather a scribing saw set up. For small work shop home use though that many metres is impressive.

[@DavidStanton]

It does add up Brian but I am yet to see a saw that does it all. I haven't seen a saw with scribing blade that can accept a dado stack. Using a dado is something that I want to explore very soon and my cabinet saw will accommodate one. 3200 metres in commercial use is very impressive.

[@brianc5691]

We always used a router in a trenching jig, router table or shaper ( spindle moulder ) to do what a dado stack does. A dado stack does look like a very safe tool option though. Very interested to hear what you make of one.

[@fishinbite]

Hi Dave isnt it safer to have the cut piece of melamine on the left of blade instead of the inside next to the rip fence? Or is this necessary for this technique? Thanks Bill

[@DavidStanton]

Basically you are correct Bill. This was more a demonstration on achieving a clean cut, the rip fence was set at a random width. Thanks for watching!

[@walterrider9600]

thank you

[@rjtumble]

Hi Dave, New subscriber, I'm enjoying your videos. I noticed on one of them that you're wearing a full face mask/hood, which I presume is replacing a respirator/mask. As a bearded guy, the one your wearing is one I have also been considering. Are you still using it? Any thoughts on that product or have you found anything better?

[@DavidStanton]

I love it and use it a lot. It doesn't have a camera mount yet so not seen in the videos as much.

[@rjtumble]

Great, thanks for the feedback.

[@kevinhoppenworth6708]

David, do you think this will work for plywood? As I have experienced this before when using a skill saw.

[@DavidStanton]

Can't see that it wouldn't Kevin.

[@thandimthembu5592]

This blade makes it a lot easier

[@gerardjitsu]

Máster!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@DavidStanton]

Hahaha, thanks!

[@86rix]

Only shelves require a 'Good two sides' I guess. Sides of a cupboard usually have and end panel so I just cut my melamine/veneer always face down

[@DavidStanton]

Face down or up 86rix, table saw, track saw or sliding compound mitre saw?

[@86rix]

David Stanton I find whichever ever side of the panel first makes contact with the blade is the side that tends to chip. So the underside of the cut tends to be great even when I'm stuck on site with a bad blade. So now it's just a must to cut always Good side down on circular saws, or good side up on table saws with no scriber

[@jordanrobottom4134]

I do believe this trick does wonder if you're cutting Face board, for like draws, doors and panels (that over hanging and could be seen.) I understand what you mean 86rix by no one seeing the chip side if your screwing up cabinets together. like having the chip side butting up together to other cabinets or hidden by the walls/infills. But this is an amazing trick for cutting your face board or veneer and i believe it leaves a CNC finish, you wont see a scribe like when edging doing this trick. I would like to know how long the blade last without chipping outs. Because when i was taught to set the scribe blade up, the blade is slightly and I mean ever so slightly wider then the saw blade because just the blade being in contact with the board risks causing break out. Tho David amazing job and lovely tip that I'll keep! You're an amazing cabinet maker that's giving me amazing tips. Your review on that carbetec bench top thickness a while back sealed it for me when buying it over the jet one. Are you still using it?