Trimming Laminate Countertop Edges. Hold the tool so that the spinning cutting disk is at a 90-degree angle to the surface of the countertop. These bits have a bearing that cut the edges along the side of the material.
The solid carbide flush trim bit and vaseline idea is definitely the way to go but a less expensive alternative to vaseline is lard. Gently touch the cutting wheel to the counter top to cut into the surface. Remove the excess countertop up to the pencil line with a belt sander and a coarse 60-grit sanding belt.
Avoid an upward cut which might chip or lift the plastic laminate.
Use a belt sander with a coarse grit 60-80. As far as trimming the edge band flush with the top prior to laying down the laminate this is the easiest part and a file is not necessary. The solid carbide flush trim bit and vaseline idea is definitely the way to go but a less expensive alternative to vaseline is lard. In addition be careful not to scratch the countertop surface.
