Worktop Jointing - Jigs and Bolts?

[Chems]

Which bolts do people prefer for Worktops? And do people use the Trend type jigs for jointing them?

 

[toolsntat]

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/15295/Kit ... top-Clamps

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/73542/Han ... urpose-Jig

Got my jig cheaper from BQ :wink:

Andy

 

[Ratter]

There are much cheaper jigs available on ebay. I seem to remember getting one for about £30.

Obviously you get what you pay for and cheaper ones probably wouldn't last as long, but if you just want to make some joints for your own kitchen they are fine

 

[Shane]

I got my solid laminated 900mm jig from Ebay, £40 inc postage, used it loads and it has been spot on, and I use the bolts from screwfix.

I got mine from here...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Worktop-Jig-Route ... 562c9be441

 

[chippy1970]

Chems, is it going to be used a lot if so I bought the Trend combi years ago and with a bit of care its still in good nick after hundreds of joints.

I dont normally recommend Trend but their worktop jigs are good they have much better pins, they are proper machined lumps of metal not cheap plastic crap pins like on the cheaper jigs. I think I only payed about £100 including a bag for mine.

Bolts just use any I normally have mine supplied by the kitchen people but you can get them anywhere these days.

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/product/C ... ular_.html

http://www.screwfix.com/prods/21429/Han ... la%20650mm

 

[Chems]

Thanks for all the advice,

A chance to get the new Jigsaw working too for the sink.


What do people use in terms of sealing the joint? This is an oak worktop, shouldn't something be put on it to stop water ingress?

 

[chippy1970]

Thanks for all the advice,

A chance to get the new Jigsaw working too for the sink.


What do people use in terms of sealing the joint? This is an oak worktop, shouldn't something be put on it to stop water ingress?

When I fit solid oak tops I dont use joint filler/glue but you will need to oil the tops they should sell the oil where you get your tops from. I do 3 coats each side then it has to be re oiled every 6 months.

Is that the new Festool jigsaw ? I see a few people are complaining about lots of problems with them, burning blades, loose bases etc

 

[Chems]

Used mine a fair bit now, its been super.

There is defiantly some weight to the talk that there is something up with the curved work. Festool are working on a fix. If I ever get trouble I shall use my 2+1 warranty!

 

[Shane]

Chems, are you putting the same roundover on the front of the worktop as a laminate worktop?, if not there is no need to do the mitre joint, and the dog bones are a piece if pineapple to do without a bought jig

 

[Chems]

Not sure, I think its going to be square. I don't mind doing a full mitre or the one the jig is provided. I'm not really 100% on the pro's and con's of each method.

 

[rileytoolworks]

Chems, if it's a solid worktop you don't want to be using a postform jig (and resulting 'masons mitre joint).
The reasoning behind this is that as the tops move (and they will), the mitred part will open up.
Much better to simply use a butt joint, reinforced with biscuits and bolts.
As for the cutout, I'm guessing you're either fitting an under mount sink or a belfast variant.
In either case, oil the worktop thoroughly around the cutout BEFORE fitting.
When fitting, a small bead of silicone along the top edge of the sink will be enough to seal.
Please don't try to silicone without oiling the top first - you'll end up with a really blotchy worktop as the silicone prevents the oil penetrating. DAMHIKT!
If you need any help let me know.
P.S. If I've got this all wrong and you DO need a postform jig, I've got the big Trend one, and you're welcome to borrow it if you want mate.

Adam.

 

[Shane]

Much better to simply use a butt joint, reinforced with biscuits and bolts.

Yup, that's the way I do solid wood worktops, works well

 

[Argee]

Butt joints are a must, held together with conventional worktop butterfly bolts - see here.

Ray

 

[chippy1970]

I have done the joints with an electric planer once before I just ran the planer along the edge at around 3mm depth for the female then just chiseled off the front edge of the male until they fit neatly together and it was perfect. As said you dont really need a jig for solid wood tops.

 

[mickthetree]

Chems

I have a handful of those screwfix bolts you can have. I also have a worktop jig you are welcome too, but it doesnt have any pins. Very solid though. I might be able to get some replacement pins from work tomorrow. I'll let you know. But I wouldnt do a masons mitre for the reasons quoted above.

I fitted our oak worktops and used a butt joint with those bolts and its as solid as a rock.

4 coats danish oil both sides after it had all been cut about and before fitting. Did about 6 coats on all the end grain. Very thirsty stuff!!

Let me know about the bits and I'll sort them out.