Cutting Melamine

[tiralie]

What is the life span of the 496309 for cutting melamine?  I have a job coming up with a lot of melamine cutting.  Not sure if I will have to buy multiple blades being I will not have time to wait for sharpening.

I buy two or three at a time, and usually dull one completely breaking down rip and cross cut 5-6 sheets of 3/4" and 1-2 sheets of 1/2" for carcasses. I buy extra because I always need to change out for pieces that have to have perfect edges. I usually only plan for one perfect edge as the off cut edge can be a bit more rough depending on the blade, and toe in. The long rips are better done with a fresh blade as you are often reaching over which pulls the saw slightly creating more chip out. Cross cuts are always cleaner.
Tim

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

What is the life span of the 496309 for cutting melamine?  I have a job coming up with a lot of melamine cutting.  Not sure if I will have to buy multiple blades being I will not have time to wait for sharpening.

I buy two or three at a time, and usually dull one completely breaking down rip and cross cut 5-6 sheets of 3/4" and 1-2 sheets of 1/2" for carcasses. I buy extra because I always need to change out for pieces that have to have perfect edges. I usually only plan for one perfect edge as the off cut edge can be a bit more rough depending on the blade, and toe in. The long rips are better done with a fresh blade as you are often reaching over which pulls the saw slightly creating more chip out. Cross cuts are always cleaner.
Tim

I was able to break down 11 sheets of melamine yesterday,  I used one 496309 and the blade is still going strong.  I bought the melamine from Wurth Wood Group,  its pretty good quality.  I was using a brand new ts55req with new guide rails and had very little chip out.  I didn't do a score cut and made my cuts at full depth and the cuts look great. 

 

[fin]

im pricing a kitchen up and its got a lot of big sheets to cut up with visible cut edges. from what you all say itll do a better job than the standard 48 tooth blade. think ill put a few ££ on for one of these blades.

 

[fin]

ive only found 496308 which says its for laminate flooring and mineral materials...

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

im pricing a kitchen up and its got a lot of big sheets to cut up with visible cut edges. from what you all say itll do a better job than the standard 48 tooth blade. think ill put a few ££ on for one of these blades.

Make sure to price multiple blades,  and buy the multiple blades bc the blades will wear out.  I had great results with the 496309.

 

[MGB]

I am sure you are probably aware of this, but there are 2 broad classifications of products called melamine.  The "cold-fused" product sold in most big box stores is little more than paint and will have tear-out issues with the best of equipment.  "Thermally-fused" product sold at professional plywood distributors is VASTLY better.  Use the cold-fused product only for really cheap projects such as garage shelves.

I learned that the hard way struggling to get quality cuts from melamine at the lumberyard. Grabbed my next sheet from the cabinet supply house for like $5 more. What a difference, even their edge tape was leaps and bounds better.