Cutting Outer Edges

• 1). Measure and mark the perimeter of the edges you need to cut in the melamine board. Add an inch to the front and side edges so the countertop overhangs the cabinets.
  
  
• 2). Place painter's tape or masking tape on the bottom edges of the circular saw. This protects the surface of the melamine from being scratched by the saw.
  
  
• 3). Cut the melamine board along the cut lines.
  
  

Making Inset Cuts

• 1). Place the sink upside-down on top of the melamine in the location it is being installed.
  
  
• 2). Trace the outline of the sink onto the melamine.
  
  
• 3). Measure the distance between the edge of the lip (the end of the sink) and the wall of the sink.
  
  
• 4). Measure and mark the width of the lip inside the sink tracing and draw a second box with a straightedge.
  
  
• 5). Cut a hole in each corner of the inner box with a drill equipped with a hole saw. If the laminate gets stuck inside the hole saw, drive a screw into it and pull it out.
  
  
• 6). Place painter's tape or masking tape on the bottom edges of the jigsaw to protect the melamine.
  
  
• 7). Cut the melamine between the holes along the cut line to remove the inset for the sink.