Replies

1. 
   bldean | May 10, 2006 03:22am | #1

   i would be pretty careful working with solid surface if you're not familiar with it. it can be cut, drilled etc. but the chips and dust can be harmful if not protected.

2. 
   rocotoed | May 10, 2006 03:25am | #2

   Good Score of castoffs! Yes, it is often edge-shaped by router when used as a countertop. It cuts nicely with a table saw. Only caveat is to never make a sharp-angled inside cut. It is prone to crack at sharp inside corners. Use a 3/8" minimum drill to form the 'corners'.

   RocotoEd

3. 
   douglas2cats | May 10, 2006 03:58am | #3

   Saws, routes, and sands pretty much like wood. But I'm assuming this is the 1/2" thick stuff? I'm not sure it's going support the weight of a router without some sag unless you glue some stiffeners underneath. Try setting your router on it supported at the ends and put a straight-edge across to see if you'll ave to support it.

    

    

   If you build it he will come.

1. 
   tarsalas | May 11, 2006 01:03am | #6

   Thanks.  it is only 1/2 inch, but there will be a web frame supporting it, so sag should be minimal.  Only problem is my wife wants corian in the kitchen now.

1. 
   PADDYDAHAT | May 11, 2006 05:49am | #7

   I had a dear friend, an old time German woodworker, he and his partners company of old German tradesmen did the renovations to things like the board room of the NYSE in the old days-think they were good? - His wife a good Frau always asked when she could have a corian kitchen. His response was always the dam stuff is never in stock. He wasn't going to pay $30/ running foot for plastic counter top- ever-never in his lifetime. enjoy, pat

2. 
   hobbyluthier | May 12, 2006 12:44am | #9

   I used to work at a cabinetmakng shop where we made and installed corian countertops.  The stuff is rather expensive but it sold very well.  The owner of the shop and all the employees wondered why people liked it so much.  We hated the stuff and not because we had to sand and rout it but because it's nowhere near as hard as granite and not as attractive.  It's made of an acrylic plastic similar to the material used to make dentures.  It's fine for a router table but I wouldn't put the stuff in my kitchen.

   For a few dollars more you can get real granite and you don't have to worry about scratching the surface, cracking it, or putting a hot pot on it.  I'd save up a bit longer and go for granite or any other natural stone material.

4. 
   stantheman | May 10, 2006 04:40am | #4

   tarsalas

   I've used one for years, with PC 690 hanging from plastic insert.  Works fine and no noticeable sag.  I routed slots for t-trackto attached fence.  No issues with routing or cutting with jigsaw. 

5. 
   81treehouse | May 10, 2006 05:03am | #5

   If you plan on cutting the corian, do not use your best blade.  I use a 40 tooth carbide Piranha by Freud.  Buy the 7 1/2 inch and use it on your TS.  Even though my saw is 10 inch, it does just fine!

   BTW, I learned this from a full time solid surface installer!

    

   A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!
6. 
   Handrubbed | May 12, 2006 12:25am | #8

   I did the same, because sink cutouts are often available inexpensively at counter shops.  Worked very well, other than the thickness somewhat limits the amount of adjustability for depth of cut.  My piece was 1/2" Corian on 3/4" ply = 1-1/4"....pretty thick.  I eventually went to using a Bulldog table, w/ insert.