Which blades for cutting compact laminate (Zenith)

[andy5405]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a TS55 blade for cutting Zenith 12.5mm compact laminate worktops (aka high pressure laminate).
https://www.wilsonart.co.uk/zenithworktops

They say a standard TCT triple chip blade can be used but all the info I can get is that it will blunt very quickly.

 

[ear3]

Not familiar with this specific material, but whenever I cut Melamine I use the solid-surface laminate blade, which is supposed to work for a variety of engineered materials:https://www.amazon.com/Festool-496309-Surface-Laminate-48-Tooth/dp/B00329GMRQ

It has maintained its sharpness quite well, whereas I have had the experience of dulling out a normal TS55 blade on Melamine after only a few cuts.

Has anyone got any recommendations for a TS55 blade for cutting Zenith 12.5mm compact laminate worktops (aka high pressure laminate).
https://www.wilsonart.co.uk/zenithworktops

They say a standard TCT triple chip blade can be used but all the info I can get is that it will blunt very quickly.

 

[Frank-Jan]

The picture in the amazonlink shows a standard blade, but the description is for the laminate blade. (the laminate blade has a red circle around the arbor, a yellow circle means it's intended for wood, a blue circle aluminum and plastics.)

I discovered that the laminate blade has a different partnumber in the US, in Europe the partnumber is 496308 (instead of 496309).

The 496306 blade (aluminum and plasic) will also work, it also has triple chip teeth, but a few more and at a negative rake angle.

I have used both types of blade to cut high pressure laminate, but only 6 mm thick (trespa panels)

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

Andy,

Have you thought about one of these...?
https://mastool.co.uk/shop/festool-diamond-saw-blade-160x22x20-dia4-201910/

It sounds as though it would cut that Solid Laminate. Have you spoken to Wilsonart to see what they recommend?

 

[jimbouk]

I would like to know this one too. These things a bloody kryptonite to normal blades. Laminate blades no better either.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rollin22Petes]

If you are only making a few cuts a good sharp carbide blade will be fine but it will dull very quickly. A few other things to consider is if there are going to be any exposed edges the saw marks will need to be sanded and polished out, and if you get any saw burns from a dull blade they are nearly impossible to get out. They best way of cutting it is with a cnc and pcd or diamond bit but even at that it's a slow process as you can only cut at about 60'' a minute and the bits are about $400 a a pop  but you will end up with a very nice edge. I've got a big commercial job I'm about to start that requires about 250  sheets of .50''thick I figure about two-three weeks of just machine time alone. Not to mention the stuff is bloody heavy 

 

[Wilsonart]

If you step plunge like instructions recommend with a triple chip blade there should be no issues regarding cutting, we recommend cutting in three 4-5mm increments.  What you do have to take into consideration is how many cuts are required, as the number of cuts will have an impact on blade life, blade will loose it’s edge quickly if going through the material in one fast plunge. See yutube video below for further information