A circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is the best tool for cutting Corian, as it will create a smooth, clean cut. A
Corian is pretty easy to cut. You can use a jigsaw with a fine tooth blade or even a high quality hand saw. If you wont see the cuts after you install the new range, you can attack it with a recipricating saw.
Use tungsten carbide blades with correct blade configurations, referring to Table C-1. The correct tools are essential for cutting DuPont™ Corian® solid surface to ensure that no chipping occurs and that all cuts are neat and clean.
Which tools are best for cutting Corian? Du-Pont stress that router bits should be at least tipped with Tungsten carbide however we recommend a Solid Carbide Single O flute Upcut Spiral Tool as the upcut spiral allows for greater chip removal . Tools made from solid carbide offer a smoother finish.
The best circular saw blade for a straight cut through laminate counter top is one with many fine teeth — at least 40. Blades with carbide tips tend to last longer than regular steel. In addition, you should choose a narrow blade, or one with thin kerf, as it's called in saw talk [source: Out of the Woodwork].
Solid surface material is heavy, so it's best to cut and shape it while it is stationary rather than trying to push it through a machine like a table saw. If you don't have a good size, flat workbench to work on already, a great way to achieve a good working environment is to simply use sawhorses.
Corian (designed by DuPont) was the first solid surface material to appear on the market. It was first sold in 1971 in only one color. The brand still exists and now manufacturers more than 100 colors. The material is stain-resistant due to its non-porous nature, a useful characteristic for a kitchen counter.
Router bits come in a few different sizes, but for general purposes, you will almost always reach for a 1/2-inch router bit. These offer better stability and overall performance than smaller router bits. For fine or slight edge work, a 1/4-inch bit may be preferable.
Corian® is drillable with standard drill bits and hole saws and is moderately difficult to break.
Straight-Plunge Bit: This classic router bit is essential for making precise straight cuts in woodworking projects. It will cut a channel with straight sides and a flat bottom. It can be used for edge trimming as well as creating dadoes, grooves, and rabbets.
Use a low-speed lambswool polisher and buff the entire surface with Corian polish, car polish or cutting compound, until the gloss is restored. Wash off any residual polish and wipe the countertop dry with a soft cloth.
The inserts should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Screws should never be inserted directly into Corian® solid surface.
While the entire slab can be cut with a waterjet, if a sawjet is used the long straight cuts may be cut with the saw, with the waterjet reserved for curves and radii. Optionally a cutout for a sink or appliance may have a precut, removing most of the material.
Even though Corian® is very hard and durable, it is not actually made of stone, making a diamond blade unnecessary. A tungsten carbide triple chip grind blade works best for cutting Corian®.
Start with 120 grit sandpaper first, followed by 180-220 grit. After sanding, a uniform matte finish can be obtained by buffing with a green Scotch-Brite® buffing pad.
Corian countertops cost $26 to $65 per square foot for materials, varying based on finish (matte or glossy) or different types.
When cutting Corian, it is important to use the proper tools and techniques to avoid chipping or cracking the material. A circular saw with a carbide-tipped blade is the best tool for cutting Corian, as it will create a smooth, clean cut. A jigsaw can also be used, but it is more likely to chip the material.
A hole saw (also styled holesaw), also known as a hole cutter, is a saw blade of annular (ring) shape, whose annular kerf creates a hole in the workpiece without having to cut up the core material. It is used in a drill.
Never chop or slice food directly on your countertops. If any of the substances mentioned below come into contact with your Corian® Quartz, rinse the exposed surface immediately and thoroughly with water. No Wax or Polish Necessary - Because it is nonporous, Corian® Quartz does not require sealants or waxes.
There are two common sizes of router bit shanks: 1/4" and 1/2". Many routers come with interchangeable 1/4" and 1/2" collets so that either size bit can be used, but some accept only 1/4"-dia. shank bits. Whenever possible, use bits with 1/2"-dia.
The make and model of your modem or router is usually displayed on a sticker or card attached to the back of the unit itself.
Corian: The Cons
Corian is not the most durable countertop surface out there and is prone to scratches and heat damage. Corian typically does not have the glossy appearance or feel that some people prefer.
DON'T: Cut or chop directly onto a Corian ® surface as small scores and abrasions can appear. DON'T: Place hot objects directly onto the surface as this can result in small cracks. Always place pans and other hot implements on a heat protection pad or raised rack.
Solid Surface material, commonly known by the brand names Corian®, Swanstone, Staron®, Avonite Surfaces®, HI-MACS®, LivingStone®, STUDIO Collection®, and Wilsonart®, is a generic term for materials that are composed of two main ingredients: a natural mineral filler and a resin binder.