Cutting melamine

[Jhallawayco]

I have a TS 55 circular saw. Which blade is best for melamine?

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I use the 496309 blade.  The 495377 works but doesn't hold up as long.  I've has really good results with the 309.  The melamine is really hard on blades.  My last job it took 2 blades to break down 14 sheets of 3/4 melamine.

 

[ear3]

+1 (I have the TS75 version).  The blade has held up for several hundred linear feet of cuts of melamine thus far without needing to be resharpened.

I use the 496309 blade.  The 495377 works but doesn't hold up as long.  I've has really good results with the 309.  The melamine is really hard on blades.  My last job it took 2 blades to break down 14 sheets of 3/4 melamine.

 

[eddomak]

I deal a lot with melamine as well, but on the TS55. Depending on the reasons for your question, if it is to prevent chip out - I have found an initial score cut (2mm depth), followed by the full depth cut has really helped in preventing chip-out on the cut line.

 

[huskercrue]

I am having issues cutting melamine as well.  When I make the scoring cut the edge looks great with no chipping.  When I make the full depth cut, it causes the edge to chip.  I have the melamine clamped for both cuts.  Does anyone have any idea why this is happening?  Thanks.

 

[Holmz]

I am having issues cutting melamine as well.  When I make the scoring cut the edge looks great with no chipping.  When I make the full depth cut, it causes the edge to chip.  I have the melamine clamped for both cuts.  Does anyone have any idea why this is happening?  Thanks.

Well I had an old piece of melamine and a brand new one.
The old one was pretty thick in terms of melamine coating, and the new one super thin.

The old piece cat a cut that was stunningly good.
The new... Well it was a mongrel...

 

[lwoirhaye]

I am having issues cutting melamine as well.  When I make the scoring cut the edge looks great with no chipping.  When I make the full depth cut, it causes the edge to chip.  I have the melamine clamped for both cuts.  Does anyone have any idea why this is happening?  Thanks.

There are special blades available for cutting melamine which when sharp should perform very well.  Your blade could be out of flat.  Melamine available from home centers may be of indifferent quality compared to what's available from commercial plywood dealers. 

 

[huskercrue]

Thanks.  I forgot to mention I am using a brand new Festool Solid surface laminate blade and I did buy the melamine from a reputable lumber/sheetgoods dealer.

 

[DB10]

Thanks.  I forgot to mention I am using a brand new Festool Solid surface laminate blade and I did buy the melamine from a reputable lumber/sheetgoods dealer.

Have you tried using masking tape on the line of the cut and have the speed of the saw set high.

 

[huskercrue]

Masking tape did help.  Stinks to have to tape for every cut though.  Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Laminator]

If I only need one side chip free, I cut it good face down with the depth set at 40mm.  If I need both sides clean It takes a sharp blade which doesn't stay sharp for long, or score it first. 
  Scoring can be hit and miss as it only takes slight pressure on the finish cut to move the saw enough to get chips.
  The festool triple chip blade will cut far longer than the standard blade before needing resharpening.