[VAC] Re: New Bath Sink

["Dr. Gerald N. Johnson, electrical engineer" <geraldj@xxxxxxxxxx>]

There's a lot of weight and exclusivity to Corian. Only selected shops
are authorized to work it and they seem to have paid a high price for
that privilege. Lots of bucks per running counter foot, plus lots of
cost for working it.

Stainless can be worked by the village blacksmith, though if he's good
at welding and soldering the results are better. I've been told by a
fine welder that its preferable to use tin/silver solder to attach a
premade sink to a stainless steel counter top (that's modern plumbing
solder) because the low temperature prevents warpage. The results are
then happier than from welding with a stainless steel rod. Thin
stainless needs a pipe or tubing frame to support it but that need not
be made of stainless steel. A 36 x 48" polished sheet of 304 stainless
is $112 at McMaster-Carr. Probably less in a good sheet metal shop. It
would need a frame and probably a sheet of 1/2 or 3/4 plywood for
support. Hard maple that size are $170.85 in 1-3/4" thickness. A
laminate covered bench top, 48 x 30 is $101.90. Just for comparison, a
48 x 30 maple topped worked bench is $365.39 (1-3/4" thick) and the same
size in stainless steel and with galvanized legs is $252.29.

And premade sinks are in all home centers. They tend to have a flat
ledge just outside the highest part of the lip, just right to solder to
a sheet of stainless steel to make the sink flush with the counter top.

Gerald J.