Corian

[heavykevy]

I really need some input on this issue. How hard is Corian to cut? This is a stupid question on my part because I'm pretty sure of the answer but, here it goes. Can it be planed to a different thickness because I need 1/4" and all I can find is 1/2" . I am looking forward to your answers.

Kevin

[lucky788scroller]

hmmm, planing it huh? Good question, Ill be watching for answers on that. As for cutting, yes, it scrolls nicely, with the right blade.I used a #3 FD-Polar blade on some with no problem, that was after I tried using a FD-TC blade with bad results, and after some PSWood 'super-sharps' blades, that were a total waste. Mike can hook you up with some good corian blades, and I hope you get some answers on planing corian, I do know it sands great, but for some reason I see planing it a total mess. I picture short little ribbons of corian static clinging to everything in sight, and the stuff you cant see to.Turning it, it comes off in the coolest little ribbon though. Dale

[Grizz]

I really need some input on this issue. How hard is Corian to cut? This is a stupid question on my part because I'm pretty sure of the answer but, here it goes. Can it be planed to a different thickness because I need 1/4" and all I can find is 1/2" . I am looking forward to your answers.

Kevin

According to a pamphlet that I received from CORIAN. "How to work with Corian". No mention of using a thickness planer.

Here is a few quotes though: "Corian can fabricated with most conventional woodworking tools. It works like fine hardwood. Yet it is important to remember that Corian is an extremely dense, hard material that will dull the standard steel cutting edes of saw blades or router bits rathere quickly under prolonged use. When making cuts with Corian, remember that it behaves like a hard, grainless wood with color and pattern running throughout the material."

It mentions many tools to use but does not say you can or cannot use a thickness planer. You can call 1-800-4-CORIAN and ask them if planing can be done.

[heavykevy]

Thanks for your answer's If I had a planer that I didn't care about I would try it in an instant. I agree with you lucky I can see little ribbons stuck to every thing.My planer is just 2 months old . I can get new knives for it at Lowes. I think I'll call the 800 number Monday and ask then.

[GrayBeard Phil]

The enemy of cutting Corian (Nairoc) is Heat and removal of cutting chips.

The cutting chips are hot. In some cases, hot enough to re-melt back on the Corian after they have been cut. You must remove the chips.

Back up a bit, I suspect in your bandsaw - resawing operaton you might have a problem. My band saw had no problem going thru 1/2 inch corian, but if I tried to cut thru 8 or 10 inches in a re-saw operation, I doubt that my bandsaw blades would survive. The heat would dull them in no time.

As for surface planing, Just How Good is you dust collector? Can you get rid of all the cutting chips before they land back on the product and remelt to the surface?

BTW: I suggest you ask your question on a more general Woodworking forum to get a much broader readership for an answer. Shopsmith magazine would be a good choice, but be warned, you need a thick skin there if you admit you use a scroll saw. (Scroll saws don't make enough noise, don't use 3,4, or 5 HP motors, and so forth.)

Phil