Replies

1. 
   lwj2 | Dec 17, 2004 04:13pm | #1

   Expensive, at least around here. I'd be concerned about how well clamps would grip it were I using a jig.

   Definitely a smooth surface, though.

   HO³

   Leon Jester, Roanoke VA
2. 
   jackplane | Dec 17, 2004 04:50pm | #2

   It's hard plastic, very durable, should make a good top. But carbide tooling is a must, including drill bits.

3. 
   pagoda | Dec 17, 2004 10:15pm | #3

   corian is not a good idea for fences & tops. back when my old shop started working with it, we used scraps for fences, jigs, tops ect... fact is that the stuff is not all that hard. actualy HPL (laminate) will out last a corian top. also it is brittle and can crack / chip.

4. 
   Jimma | Dec 17, 2004 10:39pm | #4

   I use Corian for zero-clearance inserts on my table saw. The biggest problem I can see in using it for a router table (other than cost) is the thickness. Normally, it comes in 1/2 inch thickness, so if you want to have the typical miter guage track installed parallel to the fence you'd have to either have a double thickness of Corian or a substrate of some kind. Also, as mentioned above, it does tend to split wherever it is unsuported or there's a narrow piece holding it together. Frankly, I don't think it's a good idea. I have access to the product and would not consider using it for a router table.

   Incidentally, there are some recently introduced router tables that are really great. They have below-top dust collection, built-in router height adjustments and very solid tops with a wide range of accesories. I saw several last week at Woodcraft.

5. 
   BrianF | Dec 18, 2004 03:17am | #5

   Count me in the love Corian catagory, but not for this aplication. It is way too brittle unsupported like this as was said before. I do how ever make spare bases for some of my routers out of the 1/4" material. I fabricated the stuff for years and incorprate it into some of my furniture pieces when I can. Too many people have unrealistic expectations of what it can do though.

6. 
   stancalow | Dec 18, 2004 06:40pm | #6

   Patrick

   Don't know about Corian, but you can get sink or range cutouts of laminate or solid surface counter tops at kitchen cabinet installers.  The place where I went had a pile of them, which they said they saved just for this purpose.  I paid $2 each for a couple, but others have gotten them for free

7. 
   Traveller | Dec 19, 2004 02:54am | #7

   My routertable top is corian. I got mine from a friend in the disaplay business (courtesey of the scrap bin). I doubled the thickness on the outside 4" to give it extra weight and ridgidity. I usually only use it for fine joinery. Mostly I use a shaper. That said though, I've used it for about 4 years with no problems. Even clamping with bar clamps and hand screws. I used epoxy for the laminations. PS

8. 
   Nebwood | Dec 20, 2004 07:56am | #8

   I have a corian router table top and its great. 25in by 54in, its 1/2in thick glued to 2 pcs of baltic birch 3/4 in thick inset into a cabinet with about 1/4 in plywood lower than corian so clamps will be on corian only on one side . So far after about 3 years of hard use it  is still holding up great. A friend gave me the peice of corian so the price was right. One thing I love about it is you draw on it with a pencil and then just clean it off. Oh and I don't have a miter slot, don't use one and don't like them on my router tables.

1. 
   SEBDESN | Dec 21, 2004 06:10am | #9

   I have a 3/4" corian top that is great. I also use 1/2" for zero clearance inserts. Best way to get it is to dumpster dive at your local fabricator...