Epoxy river table

Woodshop
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Hi everyone,

Anyone working on a river table with slabs and resin? I am new to woodworking but have been working with epoxy for quite some time and made a few smaller decorative tables, I mostly make mixed media paintings with resin and glass.

I want to experiment on making a river table, but am a little unsure on the preliminary prep, machines to use and the final finish work after the resin has cured. I have read enough blogs and watched a number of videos, but not able to gather enough courage to do it.
Anyone who is making a table that would let me shadow? Or anyone thinking of a workshop? Any help is highly appreciated!!

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@got_tools is currently working on one in the flex area and has experience. FWIW, I am no woodworker but I have seen a lot of unskilled woodworkers attempt this at DMS and end up spending a lot of extra $ and time pouring epoxy and sanding and pouring again. You need to build a plastic box or something to pour the epoxy into that is sealed well and will release when the epoxy is cured. HB used welded HDPE for his box. You also need to make sure that it is in a dust and debris free environment. You also need to use a heat gun to get the bubbles out. The trick is to avoid spending $1000 in epoxy for a $500 table

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I’d be happy to provide advise…and warn you about the pitfalls… I’ve learn the hard way with these beautiful creations… they are a lot of work…

we also have @kaylanbetten at DMS who works with epoxy and does beautiful work…

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Happy to offer advice. i dont currently have any large table projects in the works but have done my fair share and spent lots of dollars on trial and error so maybe can help you save a few :slight_smile:

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Here’s a link to my current river table I’m working on at DMS… HB Smart II on Instagram: "Half way there - epoxy river tables start at $450 and square foot.. depending on the wood and slabs used they only got up from there"

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Wow!That is a gorgeous table. How are you planning on the legs for it? Would you mind if I can be your helper on the next project? I promise to not bug you too much and observe as much as I can!
I am quite faniliar with Epoxy and have done my fair share of work with it, its the wood that concerns me.

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@Mrholthaus, Thank you!! I was hoping to make a mold with malemine or wood taped with Tyvek. I have seen some HDPE molds on Etsy, but wasnt sire of how to make them, I will keep looking

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Thank you! If there is any project you might work on-please let me know. I will help, watch and learn if you are okay with it

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I would advise you against tyvek. I have never seen anyone pull it off where they weren’t sanding tyvek out of their epoxy. YouTube is a great resource but things aren’t always what they seem because of the wonderful world of video editing software

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Thanks so much for the heads up!

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I used lowes brand seaming tape - it comes off fine without mold release… just hit it hard it’s also less experienced than name brand

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I’ll probably be up at the space next weekend cleaning up a handful of epoxy/redwood lazy Susan’s.

I actually use tyvek and lowes tape quite a bit and I’ve had good luck with it. Even able to use the bases multiple times before scrapping them. All epoxy pieces require a lot of sanding unfortunately if you’re not going to do a clear top coat

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Beautiful piece!

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Thank you,
I need your Burl dealer name… lol

I’ve got some Star Trek toys I want to incase with burl and epoxy :grin:

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You should get signed off on the slab mill… it will save you hours

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What do you recommend as a clear top coat?

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I’ve been meaning too. That’s definitely something on my to do list!

I get most of my burl from @worldwide_burl on Instagram. He does daily auctions. Fair pricing even with shipping from Oregon. I have some killer Claro walnut burl I can’t wait to work with.

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I use a tabletop epoxy. Typically alumilite because it’s easy to get but if I plan far enough in advance I like totalboat tabletop and superclear epoxy

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@kaylanbetten, that is gorgeous!! Love the burl. Do you typically seal with clear resin on top? Have you used Nano-top coat from Blacktail studios?
Also, is there a way I can reach out directly to you? I am not sure if I cam DM you on Talk, but I can come by the space whenever you do, if you can let me know the date and time :slight_smile:

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Thanks! I top coat about 50% of my pieces and sand to about 3000 grit for the others. i havent used that top coat, i typically use counterculturediy resin, total boat, or superclear tabletop. feel free to DM me on here or you can usually catch me at the shop Saturdays ~1pm-4pm :slight_smile: