Replies

1. 
   BigBill | Aug 26, 2007 01:25am | #1

   Get a piece to practice on.  Carbide tip blades and router bits are the standard for cutting solid surface counter top.

1. 
   bjbatlanta | Aug 26, 2007 01:56am | #2

   Thanks,Bill. I can cut a smaller piece out of the middle to use for practice. Then make the final cut. I do seem to recall that routers can be used for the edge. I'm in the drywall business by trade, but you know how it is helping the in-laws, out-laws, etc. Trying to save him a buck.

1. 
   MSA1 | Aug 26, 2007 03:27am | #3

   but you know how it is helping the in-laws, out-laws

   Funny how that works. Most of my contracts are for bathroom jobs. My FIL has me come over and replace windows for him. Not a big deal except that I dont have an aluminum brake.

2. 
   highfigh | Aug 26, 2007 03:28am | #4

   You can use a jig saw, if you want. Just use good, sharp blades. I cut a hole in a desk top and while it wasn't particularly big, it was easy enough. If you want to use a Skil saw, use a carbide blade, medium-fine tooth. Take your time and put tape on the counter where the saw will be in contact. Tape the bottom of the saw's foot, too. That way, you won't need to try to fix any scratches or rub marks.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
3. 
   JHOLE | Aug 26, 2007 04:20am | #5

   Dont do it.

   It CAN be cut with a circular saw but only for a rough cut.

   Not a finish situation.

   Especially around a heat source.

   It will crack at a sharp corner at a heated appliance.

   There are very specific recomedations for dealing with your situations as far as this material and scenario are concerned.

   DON"T DO IT. Just because you can do something does not mean it won't blow up tomorrow.

   DO NOT use a jig saw!

   Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

1. 
   Adrian | Aug 26, 2007 01:46pm | #6

   Ditto that....if you cut it, should be done with a router.....corners must NOT be cut square, but left rounded. Even with a router, the cut should be sanded smooth.....no tool marks at all or they cut act as a stress riser and crack the top. The corners also need to be built up underneath in a special way for this application, as well as a couple of other things to deal with the heat. Mess it up and you'll get a cracked top that will be very, very difficult to repair. This is a job for a professional fabricator, IMO.Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

1. 
   loucarabasi | Aug 26, 2007 02:04pm | #7

   I disagree, Been doing solid surface tops for years. Cut it with a skill saw about an 3/8th inch oversized then finish with a router using a 1/2inch straight bit. just round the inside corners. Everybody's afraid of corion, Its not that bad to work with.

   -Lou

1. 
   Adrian | Aug 26, 2007 02:17pm | #8

   Disagree, fine. I've been doing it for probably twenty years, been certified as a fabricator for ten or so. There are guys whose business is fixing screwed up solid surface jobs....plenty of potential for screwing it up. If you want to rough it out with a skilsaw, finish with a router, fine (I don't.....why cut it twice?)....the advice given above didn't make that clear, and if you leave saw marks, especially around a cooktop or other source of heat, you are asking for a cracked top.

   If you don't know how to do a high strength buildup around a cooktop, according to the manufacturers requirements, you should stay away from doing it . There are plenty of areas with solid surface that aren't that hard as long as you know how to do it right (that's why taking a course is valuable....I learned a lot even after having done plenty of it for years). But dealing with heat is not a DIY situation.Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

2. 
   JHOLE | Aug 26, 2007 02:48pm | #9

   Not sure why you said that you disagree with Adrian and then basically stated the same thing. Although for the original posters situation you left out a whole slew of steps.

   Hell, I CAN cut it with a chainsaw - that doesn't make it right.

   The most important thing in dealing with Corian is knowing it's limitations / weaknesses. You're right it's actually fun to work with, the possibilities are endless when fabricated correctly.Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

1. 
   bjbatlanta | Aug 27, 2007 01:55am | #10

   Hey guys,
   First off, thanks for all the input. Maybe something I didn't make clear enough was the cook top is going away in favor of a stand alone oven/ cook top combo (or range if you prefer), taking the issue of heat out of the equation (I think). Counter top will dead end at the counter on either side (if that's the main concern). Still, it seems like something best left to someone more knowledgeable. I'm not a DIY'er, but I don't overstep my "comfort zone" when it comes to something I'm not real sure about. I know someone who was in the business installing granite counter tops and I'd think he would be able to do the Corian for a "friendly fee". (Or refer someone.) I'll stick with the drywall business. I explained to the brother-in-law the responses I'd gotten and said I wasn't comfortable "experimenting" on his house.
   Again,thanks.If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a soldier. Support our troops.