Circuspeanut, that's an excellent point about the circle. I've been paying attention to the Starbucks counters (in the name of kitchen research, of course) and all of the ones I see have stainless inserts, the rims of which are just proud of the countertop. They also usually have Corian counters, so they don't have the edging issue. I don't know why the circle with as you've illustrated wouldn't work with laminate and will run it by the fabricator. Nice counters, by the way.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I checked out the links and googled some other stuff, and didn't see an error-proof way to get the miter cut clean through the backsplash portion, even cutting from the bottom side, taping it, and making a straightedge saw guide. So I called around and found a place that will cut the miter and router the draw bolt holes for $30 while I wait. I'm afraid this intrepid DIY-er is going to hand it to the pros.

Maeve- I am in the same position. While I realize many are steering you towards just buying new, I realize it's multiple steps to get a new countertop. Hence the reason I am avoiding it. My fix is for 2 years until I get new cabinets (lower) with a granite counter installed. There are trim options, even in ceramic, to create a lip (a little hackish) between the edge of the counter once removed. You could also hack it with a a bit of round (be sure to reinforce the finish when painted for water contact. Do you plan to RE-finish the counter top? I would assume you will need to relaminate or cement it. I am using a heavier finish. I am using this: Daich Coatings Inc.spreadstone ($80+) for a slate look, I am hacking their technique (emailed them to make sure it would work). Once the back lip/splash is removed it's going to leave some attractive particle and maybe some uneven areas. I have seamfill and putty to bridge the gap. Is this cheaper than a new laminate counter, yes. Is the time worth it, maybe not. I'm not sure about refinishing the counter with wallpaper (meant to mimic a finish) or laminate look sheets. Some of those are inexpensive.

Beware of folks like Larry. Keep your tree a little on the dry side. When the top one inch is dry, water it. Do not repot a tropical until summer time. The tree has had all spring to grow and gain strength. When you do repot in summer, don't bare root the tree completely. Leave the upper part of the root ball alone, just trim to shape and repot using a good quality inorganic bonsai soil. Crushed lava and turface, or pine bark will do just fine. Set in a location where it gets morning sun fertilize once a week with miracle grow and the tree will thrive. Just be patient. Remember, Larry's tree died, but yours doesn't have to.