Drilling Corian

[NCFischers]

I want to install a drinking faucet on my Corian counter top. What is the best tool and method for drilling that won't crack the top. If that happens, I'll have to move out and never come back. Vickie didn't say exactly that but I can read between the lines.

[bncinwv]

Jim,
When I added the soap dispenser, I used a "best" quality hole saw that came with a pilot bit. In addition, tape the entire top surface with masking tape, then mark your area. I drilled a pilot hole first that was the same bit size as the pilot bit on the hole saw. Go slow, let the hole saw do the work with minimal downward pressure. It is just as easy as you think it is! (Why do I sense that this post is a rhetorical question?)
Bingo

[moutard2]

I've recently taken the larger of the Corian sink covers from the kitchen and sawed and drilled them into 2 night tables in our trailer (they weren't standard in our model until the following year). Corian is a joy to work with. My experience has been that you can saw it and drill it without fear of cracking or chipping. It's just the nature of the beast I guess and it sands and polishes to a finish that looks factory fresh.

[Tom S.]

I agree with what Bingo said. That's how I added a hole when installing my wife's instant hot water dispenser. I have a spare piece of Corian that I use with my hammer type bullet puller. Despite beating on it with that, plus using it for hammering type gunsmithing (removing pins and such), it has dented, but never chipped or cracked. Tough stuff!

[DQDick]

I agree with everything Bingo said, especially the taping. This is tough stuff, but regardless of how tough it is our counter has a crack in it, so it can and will happen. I didn't drill it there, it just cracked possibly from the heat of using an electric skillet over that part.

[Tom S.]

Dick, the crack is most likely from the counter not being supported properly underneath. If the counter is supported properly, it should never crack.

[K0LCB]

We cracked the counter top in our previous rig had a hot plate sitting on it, I read you should put insulation under them, after the fact. Supper glue will glue it back togetherness rubbing compound and elbow grease will make it look almost as good as new

[DQDick]

Yup, that's what we did and that's what we've done to fix it. Tom I think you're right that's probably part of the problem.

[Trailer Trash 2]

Corian is a resin based material and can br drilled very easy, Bingo said it well get a GOOD drill bit, it is better than having to have the top repaired form a bad tool.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by K0LCB

We cracked the counter top in our previous rig had a hot plate sitting on it, I read you should put insulation under them, after the fact. Supper glue will glue it back togetherness rubbing compound and elbow grease will make it look almost as good as new

When they installed our kitchen, the guys who put in the counter told us not to set hot pans on it because it could melt the Corian. He didn't say anything about causing it to crack.

[mlh]

We have Corian on all of our counters. They make special glue for it. The glue is even colored to match. When glued properly the glue joint is stronger than original. It is a 2 part glue that needs a special glue gun that mixes it as it is applied. We have cutting boards made of Corian and will take a pot out of the oven and set it on the board without hurting it. I don't recommend you do that with your counter top but it is not as fragile as one would think. I have machined it. It works great. I would recommend if you drill it be careful when the drill breaks through that you don't chip it on the far side. Just don't go through too fast. Advice from a 50+ year machinist.

[Trailer Trash 2]

Corian is the same as Avonite process is the same just different colors to choose from. I am certified from Avanite also. hers is a page regarding maintenance and care for your solid serface.

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