Anyone drill thru a corian counter top

[AJB]

I want to install a dish soap dispenser and need to drill a 1" hole thru the counter top. I have the location picked out,plenty of clearance, but just to scared to do it. Anyone have any tips, tricks or advice?

[Cummins12V98]

AJB wrote:
Thanks for all the input everybody. I ended up drilling a smaller pilot hole and then used a hole saw. Just like some of you said, it was easy. Especially when the DW was the one crawling under the sink. First time trying to load pics in a post so if it works you can see a before and after.

Looks like mine only different!

Good upgrade.

[Cummins12V98]

mark5w wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

mark5w wrote:

You are a brave one TomM

He's not brave; he's knowledgeable about tools. Been using a forstner bit in hand drills for 45 years. Not once did I have it grab or twist on my wrist.


38 year carpentry instructor

Union Carpenter since october 16 1977 ! And a forstner bit is not the correct application for the task being discussed.

The forstner bit in pics above is better used in a drill press and is designed for a flat bottom hole like what is needed for euro type door hinges.

As a Carpentry instructor you would know this to be true.

I think you miss understood my post. I just said I have used a forstner bit in a power drill, I actually agreed with using the hole saw with some tape on the counter. The forstner bit was not recommended for this job.

OK Cool

[Tom_M1]

AJB,
Good idea and it looks good. Now I need to pick up a soap dispenser.

[mark5w]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

mark5w wrote:

You are a brave one TomM

He's not brave; he's knowledgeable about tools. Been using a forstner bit in hand drills for 45 years. Not once did I have it grab or twist on my wrist.


38 year carpentry instructor

Union Carpenter since october 16 1977 ! And a forstner bit is not the correct application for the task being discussed.

The forstner bit in pics above is better used in a drill press and is designed for a flat bottom hole like what is needed for euro type door hinges.

As a Carpentry instructor you would know this to be true.

I think you miss understood my post. I just said I have used a forstner bit in a power drill, I actually agreed with using the hole saw with some tape on the counter. The forstner bit was not recommended for this job.

[AJB]

Got it, thanks.

[time2roll]

The pics need to be hosted by a place like Photobucket.

[AJB]

Thanks for all the input everybody. I ended up drilling a smaller pilot hole and then used a hole saw. Just like some of you said, it was easy. Especially when the DW was the one crawling under the sink. First time trying to load pics in a post so if it works you can see a before and after.

[larry_barnhart]

The deal really is how do I do the job without damaging the product. Not that any the bit won't work but the chance of a problem is higher than a simple hole saw. Construction was all I ever did starting with the good old shovel. Just if you were interested. The meaning for the term "wood butcher" doesn't apply to me.
chevman and good luck

[Cummins12V98]

mark5w wrote:

You are a brave one TomM

He's not brave; he's knowledgeable about tools. Been using a forstner bit in hand drills for 45 years. Not once did I have it grab or twist on my wrist.


38 year carpentry instructor

Union Carpenter since october 16 1977 ! And a forstner bit is not the correct application for the task being discussed.

The forstner bit in pics above is better used in a drill press and is designed for a flat bottom hole like what is needed for euro type door hinges.

As a Carpentry instructor you would know this to be true.

[mark5w]

You are a brave one TomM

He's not brave; he's knowledgeable about tools. Been using a forstner bit in hand drills for 45 years. Not once did I have it grab or twist on my wrist.


38 year carpentry instructor

[larry_barnhart]

Hole saw would be the best with out a doubt. Not a hard job with the correct tools. It routs nice also.
chevman

[Cummins12V98]

Tom_M wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Tom_M wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Forstner bit is designed for a drill press. Unless you clamp a board down with a hole in it the forstner can and probably will walk on you. Hole saw!

I've had no problems using a Forstner bit in a hand drill. I installed a sink and stovetop recently in my coach and used a Forstner bit to drill through my solid surface countertop. It may walk if trying to drill a deep hole but otherwise no problem.

Are you talking the one with a small point in the center or the screw point in the center?

This one:

You are a brave one TomM

[time2roll]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

smkettner wrote:
I thought Corian was just a type of plastic?
I would just use a flat blade speed bore bit and be done with it.
Dispenser comes with a trim ring yes?

Laminate or stone would take a little more effort.

Laminate is MUCH easier to drill than Corian.

I would think laminate would be more prone to surface damage such as chipping. But you are correct as most is thin and then just particle board.

[Tom_M1]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Tom_M wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Forstner bit is designed for a drill press. Unless you clamp a board down with a hole in it the forstner can and probably will walk on you. Hole saw!

I've had no problems using a Forstner bit in a hand drill. I installed a sink and stovetop recently in my coach and used a Forstner bit to drill through my solid surface countertop. It may walk if trying to drill a deep hole but otherwise no problem.

Are you talking the one with a small point in the center or the screw point in the center?

This one: