Monday, January 7, 2019

Let's Cut Corian. Scroll Saw Patterns and Tutorial.




It has been quite a while since I have talked about cutting Corian. We have many new scrollers on the Blog now so I think it's a good time to discuss the topic again.

What is Corian? Corian is a solid material created by Dupont. Corian is often used on countertops but has many other uses also. It is composed of acrylic polymer and alumina trihydrate. Does that sound like you should use your dust mask? Yep. Wear a mask when you cut it. The dust is relatively heavy as it comes off the scroll saw blade. The majority of the dust seems to fall but I'm sure there is a small amount that floats in the air. 

Corian makes a beautiful addition to the materials we can cut on the scroll saw. Unfortunately, it is relatively expensive so I generally use it with small projects. Crosses, jewelry, and small knick knacks. 

The Corian pieces feel great to the touch. They can feel almost like polished marble. This pattern book has a few small patterns as well as a source for the 1/4" thick Corian. It shows the blades you need and other information to give you a good start with Coriam. You can download it for the patterns and future reference. 


Corian come in different colors but it can be very difficult to find in thicknesses other than for countertops. You can find a few sellers on Ebay but it often comes in 6 or more sheets and will cost quite a bit of cash.

The company that I got my CNC machine from carries small sheets of 1/4" and 1/2" thick Corian. 
Here is their link. Inventables. 

The sheets are 8" X 12" and come in white or black. They run a little under $20 a sheet. Shipping to my shop is $7.78 for the one sheet. When I added a second sheet to the order the shipping stayed the same. So now you know it's not cheap but it is something nice to have for special or small projects.
If you have additional sources for Corian leave me an email and I will pass it on.



I cannot vouch for any of these sellers but here is an Etsy.com link to Corian products that may work,


It is critical that you choose the correct blade for cutting Corian. If you use a standard blade or a reverse tooth blade you will experience fusing. Fusing happens when the friction heat from the blade causes the Corian to melt as you cut. The Corian will cool rapidly behind the blade and the cut will fuse back together. 

You need to choose a Skip Tooth blade. All blade manufacturers make skip tooth blades. I use Pegas brand but any skip tooth blade will work. 

It is also a good idea to turn down the speed of the scroll saw a little. I generally set it to about 60% speed. The skip tooth blades run very cool but slower seems to help also. Experiment to see what work well for you. 


We apply the pattern to the Corian in the same way as we do on wood. I apply blue painters tape then use spray adhesive to apply the paper pattern. The blue painter's tape actually helps keep the blade cool so I recommend it for cutting Corian. 


Corian is durable but sands easily. Simple hand sanding works well or you can use power sanders. I like to use a mop sander to take off the hard edges. One word of caution. Corian sands very easy so go slow or you will go too far quickly.


If you need to straighten out a crooked cut lay sandpaper on a flat surface and sand the part. In this picture, I am using the bed of my table saw to correct the cut on the side of the cross.


CA glue will bond Corian. You really do not need the activator with the CA glue in this case. It bonds in seconds even without the activator. I use a medium CA glue. 

That should be everything you need to get started cutting Coria. It cuts beautifully when you use the correct blade. It polishes to a beautiful finish and adds another material for you to choose from. Give it a try.

$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.

- -

Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in it's proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever. 

Products for your consideration:


Scroll Saw Pattern Design Tutorial: DVD
Let me teach you to create a beautiful wooden portrait pattern. I will show you everything you need from start to finish. The video will show you the free software program you can download for Windows or Mac OS. I will show you how to install the program and configure it for best results. 
Then I will show you the technique to take your photograph and make a pattern from it. When the pattern is complete we will go in the shop and cut it.
The DVD is $10 plus shipping. This is a data DVD that you will use on your computer to watch the video tutorial  



Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2017 in DVD
Purchase the entire Scrollsaw Workshop pattern catalog for offline access.

This DVD has 2,300 patterns published from 2007 thru 2017.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.

If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.

The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing. 

Unique Wooden Vases:
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.

The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.


The Scrollsaw Workshop is primarily supported by donations. If you enjoy this Blog and would like to make a donation please click this Button. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
https://www.stevedgood.com/donate2.html

My Sponsors:
Support the businesses who support our community.
Home of Pegas scroll saw blades.



Ad: Affiliate

Silhouette CAMEO 3 Wireless Cutting Machine - Ultimate Starter Bundle

 

I own the Silhouette Cameo 3 and love it. It will cut paper, vinyl, cardstock, fabric and many other materials at the touch of a button. I use it primarily for cutting vinyl. It works very reliably and the software is designed to be easy to use. If you are a DIYer or scrapbooker then the Silhouette Studio 3 is a great addition.

  • The Silhouette CAMEO is the ultimate DIY machine, It uses a small blade to cut over 100 materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric up to 12 in. wide
  • Use the powerful Silhouette Studio design software to create your projects. Features Bluetooth technology for wireless cutting or plugs into your home computer
  • This CAMEO features a dual-carriage so you can use two tools at once, and it features Bluetooth technology
  • Includes: Silhouette CAMEO 3, 12-inch Cutting Mat, AutoBlade, Crosscutter, Power cable/USB cable, Silhouette Studio software (download), 100 exclusive designs (download), 1-month Design Store subscription

This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!






https://www.bearwood.com/
Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!


Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties. Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

http://seyco.com/
Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

Free Pattern Catalog. 1000's of free patterns.

http://www.stevedgood.com/catalog/

Thousands of FREE scroll saw patterns. No registration or signup required.

The projects form these patterns can be sold without restrictions. The patterns cannot be sold.

Click here for the Free Online Catalog.

-

Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw Book $12 Each

http://www.stevedgood.com/woodenvases.html
Each digital book is available for download immediately after payment.
The books are $12 per edition and contains eight unique patterns each.
Watch the following video to see how easy these beautiful scroll saw vases
are to make. 

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order. Click the picture to order.
http://www.stevedgood.com/swpd/swpdorderpage.html
You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1
Download the Free Scroll Saw Pattern Printer Version 1.1. Create name patterns in seconds. Windows PC only.
Download Version 1.1
Please consider a $5 donation for The Scroll Saw Pattern Printer v1.1.

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker. Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.
The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed. Please consider a $5 donation for the program.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.
Download the Free Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker. Create Oval key chain patterns in seconds.
Download Version .9a
Please consider a $5 donation for The Oval Key Chain Pattern Maker.

T-Shirts and More.

T-Shirts and More.
Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

www.papasworkshop.net

Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.
Buy This Wonderful Heirloom Puzzle Pattern

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.
__________________________
Disclaimer:
The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.

Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts