King Plastic says its polymer sheets work like wood, and can be easily fabricated using standard woodworking tools, with one addition: a heat gun. A new fabrication guide includes general tooling information applicable to working soft plastics, along with CNC guidelines, cleaning and general care information. King Plastic also offers DuraStyle Custom Cabinet Doors made of its StarBoard ST, described as an "environmentally stabilized" polymer sheet, with designer styles and CNC fabricated so they are ready to install. The high-density polyethylene will not warp, rot or delaminate, says King Plastic, and will work inside or outdoors, where it resists water, high humidity and moisture. They will never need painting or re-finishing. The doors come in several styles and nine standard colors.
Here are some general tooling guidelines drawn from King Plastic's guide:
1. Standard Woodworking Tools Are Okay
Use to repair or fabricate components. Hand routers, drills, circular saws, table saws, drill presses and orbital sanders all work well with King StarBoard ST. Plug cutters can also be used to plug holes in the material or cover counter sunk/counter bored screws. Make sure to pilot hole and counterbore or countersink all screws when working with King StarBoard ST
2. Hide Screws in Pockets
Pocket screw jigs are great for hiding screws, says King Plastic.
3. Curves & Corners with Heat
Heat guns can be used to bend King StarBoard ST around a radius. Heated bending bars also work well for making sharp corners.
4. Use 60-teeth Sawblades
Circular saw blades will create a crisp edge. Use a good carbide blade with 60 teeth for a 10” blade, and 40 teeth for a 7 1/2” blade.
5. Regular Router Bits
Most router bit manufacturers classify King Starboard ST as a soft plastic. Router bits designed for soft plastics have a bit geometry that allows for a higher quality of cut, although standard woodworking bits will work fine. Carbide and high speed steel also work well.

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