Q re making formica router table top

[Kevin Perez]

I am building a table saw cabinet/base/mobile base for a contractor's saw that has an integrated router table top in the left extension wing. Nothing special about it. I was wondering though, whether there is any advantage to making the router cutout and the miter gauge slot dado prior to laminating the MDF with the formica, and then laminating it and using a trim bit to remove the formica that covers the dado and hole versus making the big mdf and formica sandwich and then doing the routing. Advice?

[Eric McMillan]

I'd recommend laminating first, then doing the cut-out. The unsupported laminate will chip and crack easily and the break will possibly continue into the keeper section.

[Jerry Olexa]

I'm with Eric. Cleaner I think...

[Mark Pruitt]

I'm with Eric. Cleaner I think...

...and easier too!

[Phil Thien]

I've done this several times. Laminate first, then machine.

[Kevin Perez]

Sounds good. Thanks, all.