Laminate cutters are used to cut laminate floorboards quickly and accurately, with two types available: pneumatic and blade models. They offer advantages such as less dust and more precise cuts, but are limited in their ability to cut curves and can be heavy and difficult to use. Choosing the right cutter for the job is important, with considerations such as thickness and material type.
A laminate cutter is a device used to cut laminate floorboards. Rather than using a standard saw, installers rely on a laminate cutter to cut through floorboards more quickly, which can significantly shorten project life. Laminate cutting tools are available for rent or purchase at most major home improvement and hardware stores.
There are two basic types of laminate cutters and they are classified according to the technology used to cut the laminate. Pneumatic models apply high pressure to the laminate at a specific point, causing the laminate to rupture without the use of a blade. Blade models resemble a giant letter opener and use a carbide-tipped blade. These blades need to be replaced often to keep their sharp cutting edge. Each of these two types can be electric or manual depending on the thickness and resistance of the material to be cut.
When choosing a laminate cutter, it’s important for installers to choose the best unit for the job. The cutter must be matched to the thickness of the laminate staves, as well as the type of material used to create the stave. Some cutting devices can only cut short sections of laminate, while others can rip a board along its entire length. Built-in guides and measurements help users make more accurate cuts, while special accessories can be used to make angle cuts or notches.
Laminate cutting tools offer a number of advantages over traditional circular or table saws. They create very little dust which means they can be used in the room where the laminate is being installed. This saves installers from going back and forth to cut laminate outdoors and install indoors. Cleaning is easier, as there is less sawdust and chips. A laminate cutter is also capable of making more precise and even cuts than most saws. There are fewer jagged edges to deal with and less damage to the finished board surface.
At the same time, buyers need to understand the limitations of a laminate cutter. These tools aren’t typically designed to cut curves, which can make it difficult to fit laminate flooring around pipes and other rounded objects. They are also quite heavy and can be difficult to move. Many manual cutting machines require significant force from the user to apply sufficient cutting pressure. This often means that users with less physical strength should choose electric or pneumatic models rather than difficult-to-use manual cutters.
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