Things You'll Need:
- Jigsaw
- Jigsaw blades
- L square
- Pencil or chalk line and chalk
- Strapping or masking tape
- Clamps or assistant
- Hole saw
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Particle mask
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Step 1
Get the correct blade for cutting countertops and lock it into the blade guide on your jigsaw. The blade should be rated for whatever material your countertop is made of, and be a little longer than the thickness of the countertop material. Use a sharp new blade for each cut.
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Step 2
Mark your cutting line with a pencil using an L square or other straight-edge or snap a chalk line on the finished side of the countertop.
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Step 3
Place masking or strapping tape along each side of the cutting line on the finished side of the countertop to minimize chipping. Use wide tape to protect the surface from scratches made by the shoe of the jigsaw.
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Step 4
Clamp the countertop to your working surface unless it is already attached to the base cabinets, or have an assistant hold it securely while you cut.
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Step 5
Ensure there is clearance underneath the countertop to accommodate the length of the blade, so you won't cut into something you shouldn't.
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Step 6
Use a hole saw to cut the initial opening for your jigsaw blade unless you are starting from an edge of the countertop.
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Step 7
Go slow and don't push the saw. Let it move as it cuts with very little pressure from you. Hold it steady with the shoe firmly against the countertop. Cut outside the line a tiny bit. You can always sand or file off a little bit later.
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Step 8
Make several short cuts around a curve. Some jigsaws are made with a blade that locks into different positions to make cutting corners easier.
