Worktop Jig

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July 30, 2004 at 7:52 pm #5480
brunospence	I am looking for a jig for jointing worktops. All fairly standard sizes but would like one that would cut round corners at the end of wortops and would also cut the corners of island units. i have looked at Trend jigs and it seems to cost about £254. Are there cheaper jigs that do all of the above. If not what exactly can the standard shape jig eg as sold by Screwfix actually do. I am happy to spend the cash if required. Also, are the tools for trimming laminate on worktops worth it and if so where can i get them and how much are they? THanks
July 31, 2004 at 9:28 am #5482
miles	The Trend jig may be your only option as this will do all you want it to. It is most definitely worth every penny, as it is the only jig you will ever need. Screwfix only do the standard jig as do Hafele. Infact the Hafele jig is for 600 worktops. You could buy a cheaper jig that does not do radiuses, and make your own jig for corners. The Trend jig is 4 jigs all in one, so the price of it is very good. They are also the best jigs you can buy. I presume you want a laminate trimmer for worktop edgeing? You can trim these with a sharp Stanley knife.
July 31, 2004 at 10:28 pm #5486
timfoley	I don’t disagree with Miles here, yet to trim edging with a sharp knife is not something I would recommend without much practice. Laminate trimmers are worth every penny of the £150 (average cost) that you pay for them to avoid the painstaking task of achieving a perfect edge in an arkward position for the back. I would also recommend edging worktops prior to installation as it will prove extremely difficult to achieve a good finish to the rear of the top once installed, This task is impossible if using a laminate trimmer. You must be serious about fitting kitchens Bruno if you are planning to invest in all these tools. Is this the case?
August 1, 2004 at 6:05 pm #5489
brunospence	I am intending to fit kitchens/bathrooms a fair amount in the future. i ahve just given up being a lawyer after 8 years and have bought a house in Brussels which I am turning into 4 flats all of which will need fitting out and I am also finding a lot of work fitting kitchens and bathrooms for friends and family. I have fitted kitchens in 4 flats in London which I have bought and renovated which have been done with fairly cheap tools which i want to replace as I seem to have reached a stage where the quality of finish is being affected by the quality of the tools, in particular a lack of a jig and an accurate mitre saw. I am also a firm believer that if you buy cheap you buy twice. Hope this helps by way of background.
August 2, 2004 at 9:54 pm #5493
Bez	Well after 20 years in Industry I am returning to my old trade as it were. I am a time served pipefitter and plumber as was my father. I left the trade to go selling and was pretty successful. Anyway after 20 years I have had enough and am starting a new career in kitchen and bathroom installation. Having had 10 houses and installed umpteen bathrooms for friends etc I have no problem with the bathroom bit. I have installed several kitchens but want to do this more on a professional basis. The people next door have just had their new B&Q kitchen installed and ripped out twice because of poor workmanship. What are the essential tools I will require for the job. I have the van, trend jig, circular and jig saws, drill and drivers, planes etc, all of which I am fully capable of using. What would be the best piece of advice you could give when preparing for a kitchen installation.
August 4, 2004 at 2:42 pm #5500
timfoley	My best piece of advice would be to see each project as a canvas to which your name will be added at the end. If you approach kitchen fitting more as a passion rather than a means of sustaining a living then this will not only prove rewarding but ensure that you are commisioned to transform for others who have been recommended to you by previous clients. Also, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of good prepartion and in 90% of the cases that end up in conflict they could have been solved if the preparation was offered more attention. A first fix preparation plan in correlation with the design will simplify any installation and in my opinion is not only common sense but essential. Finally, your social skills are your most important tool in the kit and interpersonal talent and coutousies will give you the right reputation. I could go on all day here but no doubt you’re aware of the other essentials such as the right tools etc. Bruno, “If you buy cheap you’ll buy twice” Great piece of advice and a constant theme I express when passing on my knowledge. You must have a great passion for kitchens to leave such a high profile carreer in order to become one. I suspect the stresses within the legal profession are quite high and the therapeutical nature of transforming interiors proved attractive, particularly for the pats on the back you recieve when you’re acclaimed for the skills you must possess. Anyway good luck. Nice to know we have two more installers who can maybe pass on some tips and contribute to the forum and I hope it works out well for you both.