Worktop Jig
Worktop jigs are essential for cutting mitred joins to worktops. Used in conjunction with a router they are not as difficult to use as you might think.
Make sure you buy one that is suitable for the width of worktop. The jig featured here cuts between 250 & 616mm widths. 600 mm is the normal worktop width.
Jigs are available from £45 upwards, if you buy a new jig for a lot less l would advise you make a test join before using it on the actual worktop you are fitting. This is only as l have had experiences where the join simply does not fit together when using really cheap jigs.
Worktop jigs are essential for cutting mitred joins to worktops. Used in conjunction with a router they are not as difficult to use as you might think.
Make sure you buy one that is suitable for the width of worktop. The jig featured here cuts between 250 & 616mm widths. 600 mm is the normal worktop width.
Jigs are available from £45 upwards, if you buy a new jig for a lot less l would advise you make a test join before using it on the actual worktop you are fitting. This is only as l have had experiences where the join simply does not fit together when using really cheap jigs.
Below are some of the tools you may need to fit your own kitchen. Click on the picture or title of each tool to see a picture and specification at Screwfix. The list below includes the tools that l use and have found reliable, long lasting and up to the job. The highlighted tools are mid-range, not the most expensive nor the cheapest but the link will show you others to choose fromIf you are only planning on fitting one kitchen then the cheaper tools will do the job but may be as not long lasting.
To cut mitred joins in laminate worktop you will need - A worktop Jig, a router fitted with a 30 mm collet and 12 mm cutter (see list below), and at least 2 clamps. A large square is also recommended.
A reasonable quote to fit a worktop would be £70 for the first cut and £20 for each additional cut. A typical L shaped kitchen with a sink and hob would cost £190 + VAT. If you purchased the tools at the lower end of the price range you could fit the worktop, have change from £190 and keep the tools!
Of course, you may find a fitter willing to fit your worktop for less than the above price.
A reasonable quote to fit a worktop would be £70 for the first cut and £20 for each additional cut. A typical L shaped kitchen with a sink and hob would cost £190 + VAT. If you purchased the tools at the lower end of the price range you could fit the worktop, have change from £190 and keep the tools!
Of course, you may find a fitter willing to fit your worktop for less than the above price.
Router with 30 mm guide bush
The requirements of the router are that it is minimum 1600 watts in power and accepts 12 mm (1/2") cutters. Apart from that the choice is your regarding the price you pay. If you have not used a router before please do try to get accustomed with the controls and manoeuvrability on spare worktop before using it on your finished worktop.
The requirements of the router are that it is minimum 1600 watts in power and accepts 12 mm (1/2") cutters. Apart from that the choice is your regarding the price you pay. If you have not used a router before please do try to get accustomed with the controls and manoeuvrability on spare worktop before using it on your finished worktop.
30 mm Guide Bush For router
A guide bush is required for the router to guide the cutter along the slot in the worktop jig. Check when you purchase a router if it already includes a 30 mm guide bush, some do.
A guide bush is required for the router to guide the cutter along the slot in the worktop jig. Check when you purchase a router if it already includes a 30 mm guide bush, some do.
Cutters for the router
Don't be tempted to buy cheap router cutters. The joint is probably the most critical and eye catching part of the kitchen so is worth making sure it is the best. The recommended cutters are sharp enough and long enough to be perfect for laminate worktops.
Quick Action Clamps
These quick release clamps are needed for worktop cutting and invaluable for use in many areas of kitchen fitting. A minimum of 2 but ideally 4 are needed for worktop jig use.
To Cut Mitred Joins To Worktops
Other Handy Tools
Jig Saw
You can choose any make or model of jigsaw. Generally the more you pay the better it will perform but as long as you fit good quality blades they should all do the required task.
You can choose any make or model of jigsaw. Generally the more you pay the better it will perform but as long as you fit good quality blades they should all do the required task.
Framing Square
Useful for checking squareness of worktop jig as well as many other uses around the kitchen
Useful for checking squareness of worktop jig as well as many other uses around the kitchen
Battery Drill/ Screwdriver
Invaluable for drilling small holes and as a screwdriver. The model featured here is small enough to drill inside a 300 mm wide cupboard which is a bonus.
Invaluable for drilling small holes and as a screwdriver. The model featured here is small enough to drill inside a 300 mm wide cupboard which is a bonus.
Corded Drill SDS Plus
SDS drills are perfect for the kitchen. The SDS action will drill into almost any masonry surface. A quick chuck change and you are ready to drill holes in laminate for the jigsaw. The featured drill is an ideal lightweight but is back up by enough power to make it ideal.
In theory, if you are fitting a kitchen with worktops joined with metal strips you could probably fit it with the tools you have in your general toolbox. However, if you plan to fit mitred joints to the worktop you will need to buy, borrow or hire some of the following tools.
Tools Needed
Copyright RS Kitchens 2010-2011
The book 'Kitchens - How To Really Fit Your Own' , the e-book and the contents of this website are protected by international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without the owners written permission - Click here to contact me
The book 'Kitchens - How To Really Fit Your Own' , the e-book and the contents of this website are protected by international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without the owners written permission - Click here to contact me
2011
DiyKitchenFitting.co.uk
Screwfix has everything you will need for your kitchen, including the sink!
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