The Epoxy SIG is one of our many Special Interest Groups (SIGs). These special-topic communities are formed around a shared passion, in this case Epoxy. Lead by a SIG organizer (Rob Sandstrom in this case) the formula for these gatherings is fairly straight forward: one part presentation, one part show-and-tell, one part social, stir and serve. At their best, there's magic in the air and everyone is having a great time.
This is a simple recounting of the show-and-tell at our last meeting.
This lovely epoxy-top tray was built and finished by Edee Armano. Discussion of it included flood coating, bubble management, and the benefits of different viscosity epoxies.
An interesting side bar was how heavy the was and how much weight epoxy added to it. Edee talked about wanting to make it less heavy. She also wanted to make the surface less prone to marking. Deep pour epoxy was suggested.
The Shaker Box above was one project that John Barry shared. He used epoxy to fill voids in wood with character then heat-soaked and shaped it. John says the epoxy emerged like a “wet noodle” and was easy to work with. Beautiful result!
In addition, he shared his learnings from trying to used shellac to seal end grain to prevent seepage. Bottom line? He doesn't recommend it. 🙃
River tables and trays are ever-popular and there was much experience around to discuss Kevin Bresnahan's blue river serving board. Of special note were the questions of how to achieve the desired swirl effect and how post-cure flattening always results in thiner boards. Start thick!
A special crack-laden bowl was his second topic. The challenge to the group was how to epoxy the inner surface. Tyvek tape and pour from the back?
Laura Lynn shared what she's learned about beach waves from her various classes and dozen of practice projects. From her preferred bubble popping methods to her specific heat gun hand motions for pushing the epoxy, we learned a lot.
Inspired serving boards have become a feature of her catering business. Her passion for them started in a collaboration with Rob to build an 8′ cutting board and it's only grown from then.
Got you curious aboud epoxy? Want to come and join in the fun?
The Epoxy SIG meets at the Shop each third Saturday of the month at 9:00 AM.
As with all our SIGs, these gatherings are open to all. Check our calendar for other upcoming SIGs.