How to Edge Corian

Put on a dust mask and eye protection before you begin, because putting an edge on Corian creates lots of dust.

Clamp the Corian piece to a sturdy work table. Place folded pieces of cloth underneath the clamp to protect the Corian surface. Check that the piece is secure and cannot shift once you start working on it.

Choose the router bit for the task, taking into consideration the shank or diameter of the bit. Router bits come in 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch sizes; the 1/2-inch is better when working with Corian. Make sure the router bit is carbide-tipped, which makes it strong enough to cut smoothly through the hard Corian. Also select the bit profile, which determines what the edging looks like.

Set up a guide, if needed, to keep the router running in a straight line as you edge the Corian. Use a piece of wood that's at least as long as the Corian and clamp it to the top of the piece a few inches from the edge, so that the side of the router presses against it as you work. Another option is to use a pilot bit, which can also keep the router going in a straight line.

Set the router on the left edge of the Corian piece. Adjust the router so the base rests on the top of the Corian and the base is against the router, forcing the bit to hang in just the right place for cutting. Turn the router on by pressing the power button.

Hold the router steady as the bit cuts into the Corian. Push the router down the edge of the Corian toward the right side, keeping the base parallel to the ground. Corian is quite hard, so take your time and give the router bit plenty of time to make the edge. Move slowly and steadily toward the end.

Push the router straight off the end of the Corian piece; don't lift it straight up, or it could ruin the edging.

Make a perfect corner edge by using a corner radius template guide. Find the radius that best fits the corner, from 1/8 inch to 1 inch. Fit the pins of the template over the corner of the Corian, leaving the extra corner space exposed. Hold the router bit up to the edge of the template, turn it on and put a decorative edging on the corner. Guide the router around the edge a few times to remove a thin layer of Corian with each pass. Remove the template when you finish.

Repeat the edging process on the Corian piece, taking away a little at a time for the cleanest results. Make several shallow passes with the router over the Corian edge. Move left to right again until you are satisfied with the edge.