[Adam Aiken]

I just completed a project using Hi Macs Volcanics where the material that I received varied in thickness up to 1/16″. The job required 3 sheets, 2 of the sheets had sequential sheet numbers and one of the sheets was separated by approximately 10 sheets. The 2 sheets with sequential numbers varied within the sheet from 7/16″ – 1/2″ within a distance of approximately 2 feet. The 3rd sheet was a consistant 1/2″ thick throught the entire sheet. Unfortunately I didn’t catch this issue until after I had cut the product and was getting ready to put my first seam together. After Calling LG they authorized a return and new material was sent for the 2 sheets with varying thickness. The new material came and was consistant in thickness although only about 15/32″ thick . At this point out of curiosity I called LG again to find out what the acceptable tolerance was and was informed that 1/32″ was within tolerance however they had never been asked this question nor had anyone ever called with this problem. I found that hard to believe but maybe it is just me and maybe I have to high of expectations. I can understand some thickness variation from one run to the next as long as the sheets are consistent within a sheet.

Has anyone else experienced these issues? What is an acceptable tolerance? And am I the only one who thinks that 1/16″ variation in thickness within a sheet is unacceptable?

[Tom M]

ak,

…however they had never been asked this question nor had anyone ever called with this problem.

I’m going to check fire on my usual rant about manufacturers who pull this line (I have gotten this from them on a far worse matter) and say that I do think 15/16″ is acceptable for the solid surface trade, but not a swing of 1/16″ within a sheet. The technology that is out there is long past this kind of variation. It is good that they replaced the sheets, and I’m sorry for the loss of labor on your end, but 15/16″ of a sheet that has been sent through a timesaver (or whatever) to sheer off the resin coat, or smooth out inconsistencies doesn’t seem out of line to me.

Tom

[Adam Aiken]

I also could go into a rant about manufacturers and the lines that they use.

They were very good about replacing the sheets, and I am okay with some variation in overall thickness from one sheet or run to another.

I am fairily new to fabrication so please bear with me. If you receive a sheet that is 15/16″ thick and a full 1/2″ thick sheet, provided they are of consistent thickness, would you use the sheets together to complete the project sanding out the difference in thickness at seams, or would this be a case where you would call your distributor and push for new material?

Adam

[Tom M]

Good question.

I don’t know if other CNC operators here do this, but by default, we try to seam off the same sheets, or precheck sheets that must be cross – seamed. The difference of 1/16″ will set off alarms for me. I suppose if I had the time, I would ask for consistencies in all seamed – together sheets.

Shane will be the best guy to answer that question, from what I have read here. One thing is for sure – you will likely have front edge problems running across two differing thicknesses like that. It should be easy to blend, if it only 1/16″ off, but that’s still time you didn’t bid into the estimate.

Tom

[Wags]

I believe you mean 7/16″ not 15/16″. I will only say, this is NOT the first complaint they have had on sheet thickness and variations. In their defense, all mfg go through this from time to time. I also agree this is not something that should happen, I think part of it is the cost of raw materials have forced mfg to pour closer to the final thickness, thus not allowing as much material for sanding if a problem arises. Even if you decide to use the material, I would still call and inform them as to the problem, I know I want to know so I can pass it on to the mfg.

[Tom M]

Wags, you are correct. I was actually thinking 15/32’s.

Loose crap on my part.

Tom

[Andy Graves]

It happens and you should either deal with it or have the material replaced at their expense. A belt sander with 60 grit can blend the offset in. Be careful not to get the material too hot or the seam will snap.

If you ever hear the line, “We have never heard of this problem.” then you know it is BS. I am actually suprised the manufacturers use that line still. Such a tell tale sign of guilt.

[Adam Aiken]

Well its nice to know that I am not the only one, it will give me more confidence when dealing with this kind of issue in the future.

As long as we are talking about tolerances.

How much deflection from flat do you allow or should be allowable by the manufacturers on the glue surface for a double bowl kitchen sink? Had an issue on the same job where the sink had almost 1/16″ of deflection at the center of the sink. I ended up glueing some sixty grit floor sander paper to a board and flattening the sink by hand took about 45 minutes when all was said and done. Is there a better way to go about this? Ironically the distributor had never heard of this problem either.

Adam

[Andy Graves]

Make sure your material is flat on the benches. If the sink is off a 1/16″ I would start questioning the manufacturer. You can sand then flat, but like you said it takes time and lots of it.

[Chris Yaughn]

AK,

I am pretty new to this material also, and found out about the variances the same way. Had the same question.

I think the biggest thing to watch out for is what Tom (I yhink) mentioned. If you pull the tops flush(on top), the build up will give you a visible seam on the front edge. Other than that, congrats for getting the material replaced.

Chris

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