Cutting an Overhang

• 1). Measure the length of the overhang that you want to cut with a tape measure.
  
  
• 2). Make a mark of the measurement with a pencil on each side of the countertop.
  
  
• 3). Connect the pencil marks by drawing a line using a straightedge.
  
  
• 4). Place a strip of painter's tape over the mark that you drew on the countertop. The tape will prevent scratches from appearing in the laminate when cutting the countertop.
  
  
• 5). Pull the countertop away from the wall if you can; this will make cutting the countertop easier.
  
  
• 6). Begin your cut on the countertop using a circular saw. Run the saw until the saw stops or you reach the wall.
  
  
• 7). Cut the remainder of the countertop with a jigsaw. The jigsaw has a small blade and is not as big as a circular saw.
  
  
• 8). Sand the edge of the laminate to eliminate any sharp edges.
  
  

Cutting a Hole for a Sink

• 1). Place the sink upside down on the countertop and trace around it with a pencil. This is the outline that will be used for the sink hole.
  
  
• 2). Place masking tape horizontally along the outline in each corner. Measure inwards about half an inch and make a mark with a pencil. This is the location for the edge of the hole. Do this in each corner of the outline.
  
  
• 3). Drill a small hole through each pencil mark with a power drill. These holes are needed in order to begin the cut with the jigsaw.
  
  
• 4). Turn the countertop over, so the laminate side is on the bottom, and set the countertop on a pair of sawhorses in another room or outside to cut the sink hole.
  
  
• 5). Snap a chalk line, connecting each drill hole, to create a cutting line for the jigsaw. Place the jigsaw into one of the drill holes and cut along the chalk line until you have a fully formed hole for your sink.
  
  

Cutting Natural Stone

• 1). Set the natural-stone countertop on a pair of sawhorses outside or in your garage. Place the countertop so that the finished side is facing up.
  
  
• 2). Measure the amount of countertop that needs to be cut with a tape measure and make a mark with a marker.
  
  
• 3). Place a straightedge over the top of the marks and connect them with a marker. Put a strip of painter's tape on the marker line as a guide to use when cutting the countertop.
  
  
• 4). Start the circular saw with a carbide or diamond blade attached. Ease the blade into the countertop to begin cutting.
  
  
• 5). Apply water to the blade as you are cutting the countertop. Have another person use a spray bottle to spray water on the blade and the countertop as you are cutting. Cut until your fully formed hole is finished.