Corian Training

[Peter Sefton]

I completely agree with the ethos Peter, it's important to avoid devaluing the brand.
It's one of the reasons I'm keen to be able to supply and fit corian. My only issue being if, having completed the course, I then still can't buy the corian. I would like to know up front what hoops I need to jump through to be able to buy corian.

I don't know the answer but I am sure CDUK will be able to help you.

Cheers Peter

 

[Distinterior]

I went up to CDUK's Training Centre in Leeds last year and did their training course.
It was worth every penny!
I previously had experience of installing other types of solid surface worktops, but the Corian course was still very useful and informative.

Once you have done the course, you can then apply for an account with CDUK to enable you to buy sheet Corian.

Corian offer a 10 year limited warranty on their product, which is the main reason why they stipulate that any fabricator/installer working on their product has done a Certified Course.

My advice would be to go and do the course if you are serious about working with Corian or any other Solid Surface product in the long term.

Tim.

 

[Lons]

What is it about corian that requires you to need training?

The only specialist bit of kit which really makes things easier are the Bessey clamps which reminds me I must dig mine out and sell now I'm retired and a jig for routing drainer grooves but that can be shop made apart from inserting preformed corian sinks which are a little tricky, it isn't difficult IMHO.

I've got a drainer jig, used it on wood before now, and a belfast sink jig, which I would imagine would work perfectly well on solid surface.

What's the speciality with the Bessey clamps if you don't mind me asking? I'm imagining suckers?

Yep they're suction clamps and not essential but make the job easier and quicker. Look at this video as it's easier than me describing them.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/eMxq6GJ84RU?rel=0

Std drainer and belfast jigs work fine.

 

[chippy1970]

I find this arrogance from Solid Surface manufacturers really frustrating as I have 1 off DIY project that I'd like to use Corian or similar materials.
Are there any suppliers/manufacturers of solid surface who will deal with the public without training?

If not I could be a joint 6th person along with Adam for the same reason. Will they only train trade people with vat registration for example and does the authorisation to buy their precious product expire over time or need topping up?

Bob

It's hardly arrogance and yes you can buy direct from most other suppliers without any training.

I think the training is a good idea especially if your not a pro and want to learn without practising on your own expensive tops.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

 

[Lons]

I find this arrogance from Solid Surface manufacturers really frustrating as I have 1 off DIY project that I'd like to use Corian or similar materials.
Are there any suppliers/manufacturers of solid surface who will deal with the public without training?

If not I could be a joint 6th person along with Adam for the same reason. Will they only train trade people with vat registration for example and does the authorisation to buy their precious product expire over time or need topping up?

Bob

It's hardly arrogance and yes you can buy direct from most other suppliers without any training.

I think the training is a good idea especially if your not a pro and want to learn without practising on your own expensive tops.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

It's pretty easy to practice tbh as offcuts aren't too difficult to obtain from fitters so just the cost of adhesive, however that isn't cheap!

 

[Claymore]

..........

 

[Lons]

I make Corian Intarsia's and buy Corian offcuts from a guy in Southern England..... its very expensive stuff but lovely when polished.
Our local kitchen fitters use it as do many others but didn't realise you couldn't buy it easily just thought it was because of the high prices its not popular.

Have a word with the local fitters as often the sink, hob cutouts are just skipped, you should be able to get some FOC or for a few beer tokens.

 

[Myfordman]

I find this arrogance from Solid Surface manufacturers really frustrating as I have 1 off DIY project that I'd like to use Corian or similar materials.
Are there any suppliers/manufacturers of solid surface who will deal with the public without training?

If not I could be a joint 6th person along with Adam for the same reason. Will they only train trade people with vat registration for example and does the authorisation to buy their precious product expire over time or need topping up?

Bob

It's hardly arrogance and yes you can buy direct from most other suppliers without any training.

I think the training is a good idea especially if your not a pro and want to learn without practising on your own expensive tops.

Sent from my ALE-L21 using Tapatalk

Provision of training is an excellent scheme to support your product, the arrogance comes in when they make the assumption that no one could fit it without having had their training and prevent you from buying the material.

 

[Distinterior]

I don't think there assumption is that an individual is incapable of fabricating & fitting their material, but to offer a manufacturers warranty they have to ensure that whoever has fitted the worktops, has done so according to their standards.

I wouldn't necessarily call that arrogance, more like good business practice!

As I said, I had previous experience of fabricating & fitting solid surface materials prior to doing Corian's course, but the course will teach you a lot of little details that will make a difference in the long term finished job.

Tim.

 

[Myfordman]

I can see we are not going to agree on this. As I've said I think it is good practice to OFFER training but not to mandate it
I'm also not saying that I would not learn from a course, that would be arrogance on my part.
It now appears that even doing the training does not guarantee and individual being able to buy it, merely to apply and see if they deign to supply.

I withdraw my interest in being a "joint 6th" attendee

 

[rafezetter]

I'd also be interested to learn how they police this "trained fitter" to ensure that s/he has fitted as per training to qualify for the warrenty. Is the fitting inspected by a representative of the supplier in person? Pictures?, Faith that because he took the trainign he will produice the same results time and again, or no policing at all?

 

[fuster]

Ok sorry I didn't mean to cause a fight!
I'm pretty sure you can buy Hanex without certification.
I don't really see the problem. I don't think £600 for a full 2 day course for 6 people is expensive however you look at it! How much would you charge for your time to do something similar? I've trained as a cabinet maker but that doesn't mean I know how to fabricate Corian. Yes, I can look online or read a manual. But I could have done that to learn how to make furniture too. Surely a concentrated training course is a good way to make sure you have covered all the basics and have the confidence to go straight in to working professionally with it. Otherwise you are practising on your customers. Although I have to admit that's something I've done many times!
Well it doesn't seem like I'm going to have much luck finding anyone here anyway, but thanks for the entertainment!

 

[Adam9453]

Just to re-iterate, I'm still interested in the training

 

[Adam9453]

Hello?

 

[fuster]

Sorry, I've been working too much the last couple of days!
I was thinking a maximum of four people as it may get a bit crowded otherwise. But if it turns out we're five anyway I'll get in touch. I'm talking to various people about it and it's hard to get it organised but I'll certainly let you know once it's sorted out.

 

[Distinterior]

I'd also be interested to learn how they police this "trained fitter" to ensure that s/he has fitted as per training to qualify for the warrenty. Is the fitting inspected by a representative of the supplier in person? Pictures?, Faith that because he took the trainign he will produice the same results time and again, or no policing at all?

There is no policing as such, but let's say that someone fabricated and installed a set of Corian worktops.

The fabricator/fitter had not done a Corian training course and 6 months after the completion of the installation, one of the worktops developed a crack or fault. The client then contacts CDUK Corian to claim under the manufacturers 10 year warranty, but would then be told that there is no warranty on their installation due to the fact that the fabricator/fitter had not undertaken the training course.

I think it's perfectly reasonable for a company to stipulate that you have to meet a certain standard for them, in essence, to be able to guarantee your work.

As a side note, when I arranged the course for myself and 5 other guys, each and every one of us thought it was well worth the money!

 

[Adam9453]

Sorry, I've been working too much the last couple of days!
I was thinking a maximum of four people as it may get a bit crowded otherwise. But if it turns out we're five anyway I'll get in touch. I'm talking to various people about it and it's hard to get it organised but I'll certainly let you know once it's sorted out.

Thanks Fuster, in case you haven't seen my pm, I've thought more about it and I would be happy to be the 3rd, 4th,5th or 6th person. So I look forward to hearing from you with further details soon