Getting ready to cut an opening for a sink in a Formica counter, can I use a big speed bit for the starter hole or should I use a hole saw?

I like to jog a small hole saw until I’m through the laminate -about 3/4”- if you stay far enough back- spade but will also work

A SPADE bit ? Yes you can or an augur bit. Just don't get too close to the perimeter

When you say spade bit, is that same thing as an east coast paddle bit?

Appreciate the confirmation on the speed bit.

Tape is your friend

Already taped.

Another thought occurred, can I just ease the skillsaw in on the straight and finish the corners with the jig?

Safest way is to cut the sink hole before laminating the Formica or if already done cut the hole from the bottom with a fine tooth jig saw prior to attaching the countertop. If these options are not possible anymore and your comfortable using a skill saw, use a skill saw with a combination carbide blade and plunge cut as much as possible. Then finish with a fine tooth jig saw.

If you do drill don’t use a spade bit unless you are a few inches way from your cut edge.

And, newbies often make the mistake of cutting too close to the front and end up murdering the cabinet frame or too far back and the faucet location is bad. Either one makes it difficult to mount the sink.
A cardboard template is your friend!

I wouldn’t use a spade bit with an auger tip ( Bosch style) - they grip and are hard to control. Below are spade bit- jog also and you’ll have no issues

Paddle bit and down cutting blade on jig saw.

tape your perimeter and mark your line on the tape

drill a hole just in from your line in each corner I would use a 1/2 inch high speed after running a pilot hole.

then cut out with a smaller tooth blade in the jig saw

having a hole in each corner lets you turn the corner easier

a router actually works well also , if you had a lot to do making a template and using a guide on the router gives a clean edge on laminate

assuming you have one sink hole to cut , probably not worth it unless you had a good way to make a fence for the router easily.

I have never used the paddle on a laminate but if that worked well on a test hole in the center , use a paddle that gets the corner radius you want and connect the 4 holes with the circular saw then just finish up the last little bit with the jig

Thanks folks, I made a perfect cut but the sink falls through. Probably shouldn’t have used the sink to mark the hole.

Measure once, cut twice and its still too short, dang it all.

Oh yeah, hole should be 5/16" smaller than the outlined perimeter of sink. Don't square corners.

lol JK

Looks very nice

You're hired.

To all you real carpenters out there, I have nothing but respect for your craft.

This project is finally finished and you have no idea how glad I am. lol