Corian Blanks

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad

Rockytime

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2014
Messages
1,074
Location
Arvada, CO 80003
I have some 1/2" Corian pieces I would like to use as pen blanks. I know there will be a seam showing when gluing the 1/2" pieces together. However, what adhesive can I use to bond them together? I am wondering if CA or epoxy would be appropriate. I have pieces that are approximately 4X6". I would like to bond them and then cut them into blanks 1X1". Is anyone using Corian for other that making bushings?
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
305
Location
Sanford, NC
What color is the Corian?

If it is one of the speckled species, and if done correctly, then as mentioned already, the seam will be almost impossible to find.

If the color is one of marble like ones with meandering streaks in it, the seam will probably be detectable, but not necessarily all that bad.

I made hundreds of Corian pens for the company I worked for a while back.

Bill
 

Charlie_W

Member
Joined
Nov 16, 2011
Messages
5,918
Location
Sterling, VA USA
I would think cutting the Corian to pen blank size before gluing would be best. You want total glue coverage between the two pieces so there is no gap.
I would guess medium CA and clamp should work. Clear...not yellow epoxy would be my next choice.
Back in the 90's as a Corian fabricator, we had Corian joint adhesive which was colored to match the sheets of material. It was a resin and catalyst two part mix.

Good luck!
 

bjbear76

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2008
Messages
669
Location
Louisville, KY 40299
I use different colors of corian for segmenting. I rough sand the sides that get glued together, wipe the dust off, thick CA and clamp. The only issue I've had is in drilling....go slow and keep the drill bit cool. Sometimes I'll add a slice of aluminum (pop can) between the pieces of corian.
 

turncrazy43

Member
Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
1,104
Location
Marietta, GA
Les, corian is great material for pen blanks and cheap. The variety of colors is great as well. Have heard that there are a good side (smooth) and a bad side. Use the smooth side. Wipe with ethyl alcohol, dry it , apply medium CA glue, rubbing the two pieces together. Before the glue dries pull the pieces apart to see that the glue is evenly distributed. Then clamp the two pieces together. Accelerator will speed up the drying process but I would wait at least 15 minutes for it to cure.

The 1/2" by 1/2' pieces that are most readily available work great on slim line pens and are quick to make. Good luck with yours.
______________________________________________
Everyday I'm vertical is a great day
 

Smitty37

Passed Away Mar 29, 2018
In Memoriam
Joined
Nov 23, 2009
Messages
12,823
Location
Milford, Delaware 19963
Tou might check with a local maker of corian countertops I believe they have a special glue they use that gives you a virtually invisible seam....
 

Krudwig

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2013
Messages
165
Location
DEQueen, AR
Smitty mentioned a special glue. I have done solid surface material in the Wilson Arts brand called Gabralter and the glue is a two part epoxy that is color matched to the material and must be like the 5 minute variety cause it set up real quick and is as hard as the material your working. It comes in the size of a caulking tube with two parts and a sprecial spiral mixing tip and uses a high dollar caulking shaped gun and runs about $40 - $50 a tube but one tube will normally do the entire kitchen. You are supposed to put the glue in a plastic bag and store refrigerated to keep it from becoming unusable. Sanding the corian or other solid surface material is crucial to the bonding! You have to get all the shine off the pieces you want to glue and remove all the dust with denatured alcohol before gluing. I have used ca glue on it and it works well but think the 5 minute epoxy will work too just be sure to sand well and remove any dust. It even glues well to wood.
 

Rockytime

Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2014
Messages
1,074
Location
Arvada, CO 80003
Many, many thanks to the replies and suggestions about Corian. I have several pieces and expect to get more when the new counter top is installed.
Kindest regards, Les
 
Joined
Jul 16, 2005
Messages
305
Location
Sanford, NC
Smitty mentioned a special glue. I have done solid surface material in the Wilson Arts brand called Gabralter and the glue is a two part epoxy that is color matched to the material and must be like the 5 minute variety cause it set up real quick and is as hard as the material your working. It comes in the size of a caulking tube with two parts and a sprecial spiral mixing tip.


The Corian joint adhesive is not actually an epoxy, but rather a Methyl Methacrylate resin that cures rock hard. It's sort of like liquid Corian until the hardener is introduced. Corian is also an acrylic product, so they form a strong bond. CA is also a type of acrylic and works extremely well for bonding Corian / Gibraltar / Staron / Hi-Macs / etc.
 
Top Bottom