Cutting Corian

[keefie]

I have been trying to cut a word art pattern out of a piece of 12mm Corian (like a resin/plastic sheet used in kitchen worktops). I have been using Flying Dutchman blades, FD Polar No 1 which is the listed blade for Corian. I have turned the speed right down but it's still not clearing the cuttings from the cut and the cut is melting closed behind the blade. Has anyone any idea what I'm doing wrong? I have tried medium speed right down to slowest speed all with same effect. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

thanks,  Keith

[John B]

Keith,
i have never cut corian with a scroll saw, but I have heard a quite a few that have, suggest covering the pattern with clear packaging tape. Apparently this helps prevent it from sticking back together, probably the same way that the tape helps prevent burning, when cutting hard wood.

[WayneMahler]

I would  try 2 things. First using a slightly larger blade, that should increase the width of the kerf. Second. slow the feed rate down, give it a chance to clear the kerf out. So sort of slower speed on feed and blade speed.

[Dan]

I'd go with the packing tape. I've had the same issue with plexiglass and I could use a number 3 blade with absolutely no melting. I know corian is different but it's worth a try.

[lawson56]

I have never cut corian but I have cut plexiglass. And I found at least for me and the thickness of Plexiglass I was cutting 1/2 I had to cut fast. When I did I had no melting.

[stoney]

Hi Keith, I have cut quite a bit of Corian.   I have made many trivets from it.   Your choice of blade it the right one.  Two things are critical when cutting plastics, lubrication and saw speed.  I always cover the pattern with packing tape and slow down the saw speed.   I would probably also use a #3 or #5 polar blade.   Try making some cuts in scrap areas until you get the feel for your saw speed and feed rate.

Edited September 1, 2022 by stoney

[bandaideman]

I would second the suggestions. I used a 3-5 blade slow down and one other thing years ago it was suggested to me to try Duck tape instead of packing tape. Changed my cutting without Melting together.

[keefie]

I would just like to say a big thank you to all who replied. The most useful tip was to use clear packing tape on the pattern, I did this and also used a No3 Polar blade and it cut straight through with no melting together behind the blade and nice clean edges to the cuts. Thanks everyone (I will post picture in bragging rights when I have taken one)

 

Keith