Cutting/shaping Corian - anybody with experience?

[[2574]]

I've got two sheets of Corian that I have to craft in to various shapes for the galley worktop for our Nauticat 39. I've no idea what tools are best deployed for this purpose - I've got to cut corners and holes as well as round off square edges. Has anybody any experience of doing this?

TIA

rob

 

[Joe_Cole]

Sounds like you need to get your hands on a router with some good cutters. If you haven't used one before get lots of practice on some timber before you use it on the Corian . It's all too easy to get it wrong!

 

[tcm]

yeah agree with jc - and this is expensive expensive stuff init? No way would i try routing corners nor (especially) jointing two pieces- especially if i was then in theposition of asking questions here. You need a machine, a really decent jig, and when cut to mount the whole thing on ply cos it is not strong and will bend. I wd definitely get a kitchen outfit to do it and use their exp of wrecking a few pieces. All imho...

 

[Ships_Cat]

Very much agree with the getting it done by those who have already had plenty of practice.

The few times we have had materials similar to Corian put on new vessels the yard has ordered it in cut and shaped - they have not tried to do it themselves even though they have interior fitout shops of their own.

John

 

[tcm]

i have had a lot of corian fitterd, and the fitters wait until all units fixed in place and THEN make hardboard templates.

 

[[2574]]

thanks to all above - I'm off down to the local firm who cut granite kitchen worktops to see if they can do it!


rob

 

[richardandtracy]

Use a router at high speed with a TCT blade.
Also stick a bit of card to the underside of the router to prevent scratches.

Corian isn't much harder than gelcoat, so the usual polishing materials for gelcoat/paint will work just as well.

It isn't that difficult, people are just nervous about a new material.

Regards

Richard.

 

[paddywackcocker]

to bring up to a marble glaze finnish I have used a bosch orbitle sander comeing down in grades (or up but ending in the finnest) it does the trick and looks great, finnish with a fine cut pollish, almost mirror like. Tiny scratches afterwards can be removed with duraclit (honest, allso works onperspex) try it! (not the orbitle bit on perspex just the duraclit)

 

[Sans Bateau]

I think its DURAGLIT, you are talking of something completely different, probably pornographic!

 

[Joe_Cole]

[ QUOTE ]
It isn't that difficult, people are just nervous about a new material.



[/ QUOTE ]

It's not the material that people are nervous about. It's the router. If you don't know what you are doing with the things you are likely to bu**er up the material, or even injure yourself. They can be lethal!

 

[Elessar]

Goto www.hss.com

And navigate to
UK>Home > Online Catalogue > Trade Tool Hire > Sanding, Carpentry & Fixing > Woodworking

you'll find a kitchen mitre jig set for hire, comes with a big router plus all the clamps and guides to do 90 deg joins, butt joins etc.

Others here think the router will cut corian, thsi router is a good one. I'd practice on some wood first and be patient, but it gave perfect cuts on 1.5" thick hardwood for me.

 

[sailorman]

Hi Rob
where did you get the Corian is sheets as i thought it was only available as a finished product.
would be interested as i want some 4 my galley refurb
roger

 

[[2574]]

Yes you're right - it's very difficult to get hold of Corian. In the end I contacted Nauticat (we've a Nauticat 39) in Finland and they've sent me the material in sheet form. (Luckily Nauticat provide an excellent after sales service the like of which I've never experiened elsewhere!) To be honest it might not actually be Corian - although it looks identical and appears to be of exactly the same constitution and is what Nauticat use for galley surfaces in the boats. I have a suspicion that it's called "Duval" or something - I'll dig out the delivery note and let you know if there's further info about it.

And PLEASE don't ask what it cost to buy this stuff and ship it in from Finland!

rob

 

[[2574]]

I've found the spec of the Corian equivalent that I've got. It's called Durant. Hope that helps.

rob

 

[sailorman]

thnx will search

 

[Anonymous]

I've got a Nauticat 42 and was advised by Nauticat (UK) that Nauticat Finland would not supply direct, and that in future all Nauticat spares have to come into the UK via Yachting Sports in Hamble. I haven't tried ordering anything yet....can I order direct? Could you PM me a contact in Finland who will accept orders?

 

[[2574]]

see pm

 

[[2574]]

for anyone interested I had the Corian cut to shape by Camper & Nicholson in Gosport - and they did a professional fantastic job. (But one would expect that from C&N I suppose.

rob