DIY Projects

The Standard “J” Roller features a 1-1/2″ dia. x 3″ wide non-marring rubber roller with a 10″ long handle and vinyl grip. It is specially designed for use on plastic laminate. The Heavy Pressure Laminate Roller has the same non-marring roller and features a slight bend in the steel handle to provide extra leverage and pressure. Wide rubber roller have no axle projection on one end, for scratch less flush work. The handle is sturdy lightweight aluminum alloy.

A hard rubber laminate roller smoothes and evenly adheres even the most obstinate laminates and veneers. Ensure a long-lasting cement bond and remove air bubbles with a Standard J Roller.

The choice of tools that you will need to cut laminate with will depend upon the project, however, I would highly recommend a pair of Laminate Shears. They are capable of making straight cuts in all types of decorative plastic laminate, and have a patented, ‘double action’, hardened steel cutting blade.

Laminate Shears cut without binding, and will not crack or chip the decorative surface. Widely used by professional and do-it-yourself installers for rough cutting laminate before cementing in place.

There are a few different types of shears but the most popular are the Straight Cut Version. They are efficient for cuts on any lengths. Your hand is positioned over the top of the laminate and they are designed to cut with a single blade cutting into the decorative surface.

They can also be used to cut the irregular contour line for the laminate piece that fits between a wall and the backsplash top. They have vinyl coated handles for comfort, and the spring return handles can be locked in the closed position.

Several years ago when I decided that I wanted to learn how to work with laminate, a friend of mine gave me some very good advice. Start small and simple.

I decided that I would start with a new countertop for my garage workbench. I was very basic with just a few cuts and angles. After all if I made a mistake, it was only going to be in the garage. Since that went well I decided to move on to my next project.

I decided to put a new finish on my stereo speakers. We had recently redecorated the family room, and the speakers just looked out of place. It was an easy weekend project that gave the old speakers a new look that blended much better with our décor. I also decided that I would make speaker stands to match, raising the speakers off the floor for better sound quality.

It just goes to show you that with a little laminate and a few tools, you can make just about anything look new again.

Tridon AT-109 Laminate Slitter

A few years ago as a novice user of laminate, I was cutting the laminate with my circular saw and thought “There has to be a better way to do this”.

After doing some research and talking to some cabinet guys, I discovered the Tridon Laminate slitter. Not only is it adjustable for different sheet thickness, it cuts without chipping.

Now my laminate cutting days are cheaper and much less frustrating.