Thread: Weird idea, Corian for scales?

I had an odd idea after looking at our counter tops.

I thought of trying pieces of Corian material for scales. I found a source for scraps/samples that would be big enough to make them, but I was curious if anyone had tried to use it before.

I think a tile saw will be able to cut the stock down to useable sizes then hit them on a belt sander to get the shape. I would think it would work well since the material is dense making for good weight with small size. Add to that the stuff is indestructable I'm not seeing a down side here (other than cutting the stuff).

Whadda ya think?

v/r

Allen

How much would one set of scales made of it weigh? I doubt countertop material will be "light". Just make sure it isn't too heavy. Then again, I don't think I've ever held a piece, so I don't even know if that's a concern.

I like this idea.

Please update us as you work on it...Pics?

With pieces that small and thin, would it be too brittle? Corian is normally used in big slabs. Does it have enough shear strength to hold up when it is not a thick slab?

Great idea in terms of color and pattern. If you can get it to work, you could end up with some really nice stuff. Let us know how it turns out!

Lunumbra

Not a weird or odd idea at all, I think it is a pretty good idea.
It is not that hard to work with, wood working tools will work if you go slowly.
It takes a great polish, it is very stable, and comes in a great variety of patterns.
You should try it.

Charlie

W R Case and a couple of other knife manufacturers will sometimes use Corian for knife scales!
I look forward to seeing the results!

I think that this idea surfaced a year or two ago, but i dont think it was followed through, id be interested to see the results, good luck

simon

Good wordworking tools work with corian, I don't know what an abrasive wheel would do to them. After sandpaper you would need to polish, more like working with stone than wood. Well plastic really

Where do yuo find Corean scrap? I'd beinterested in some smaller off cuts myself.

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Good wordworking tools work with corian, I don't know what an abrasive wheel would do to them. After sandpaper you would need to polish, more like working with stone than wood. Well plastic really

Where do yuo find Corean scrap? I'd beinterested in some smaller off cuts myself.

If you can find a contractor that does solid surface work ask if you can have or buy cheaply their sink cutouts and offcuts.

Charlie

I managed to get a smaller sample today to play with (4"x4"). Too small for scales but something to try.

The sample pieces are roughly 1/2" thick and should work well as far as I can tell. I can't see taking 2 pieces and putting them together with an end pin, so I am working on a jig to allow for ripping the blade slot adn making a 1 piece scale. The preliminary screwing around was a problem but looks promising.

I will be ordering a couple of 4"x6" peices after I get my jig worked out. I am thinking of cutting the stock down to a peice about 1.5"x6". I intend to take a 4x4 block and cutting a slot to insert the piece I'm working to cut the blade slot. From there, shave a piece of wood as a spacer to put back in the rough shape to give it support.

I plan to sand it into the shape I want then drill the pivot and sand it to a shine.

I think this is doable, but we'll see..... I still need to order some pins and hardware!

v/r

Allen