How to Cut Melamine Shelving to Size

Melamine is a laminate covering often put over particle board to give a sleek look to shelving. The melamine covered particle board is easy to clean and durable. To minimize the chipping that is often common when cutting melamine shelving, attention to detail is important. Though this method of cutting may seem more time consuming, the finished product will have clean edges, giving the shelving a professional look. You will cut the shelving three-quarters of the way through the thickness the first run through, the turn the shelving over and cut through the remaining quarter-inch. This will produce a clean cut on both sides of the shelf.

Table saw
Triple chip carbide blade
Ruler
Contractor's pencil
Eye protection

Instructions

- 1
  Install a triple chip carbide blade in your table saw according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 2
  Make sure the blade is at a 90 degree angle. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the blade to the fence of the table saw at the front, middle and back of the blade. The distance needs to be the same along the length of the board for a straight cut. Refer to you table saw manufacturer's directions on how to adjust the saw blade.
- 3
  Set the blade height to 3/4 of the thickness of your melamine shelving. For example if the shelving is 1 inch thick, set your blade height to three-quarters of an inch.
- 4
  Measure the opening where you want the shelves to be placed. Mark the measurement on the melamine shelving using a ruler.
- 5
  Adjust the fence on your table saw to the measurement you want your shelves to be cut.
- 6
  Put on eye protection.
- 7
  Hold one edge of the shelving against the table saw fence. Turn on the table saw. Place your hands on either side of the mark you made on the shelving. Leave plenty of room between the blade and your hands to ensure your safety.
- 8
  Push the shelving through the blade using even, consistent pressure.
- 9
  Turn the shelving over and cut the shelf from the other side, following the same safety precautions.

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