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Live-edge resin River Tables are graceful chunks of furniture. These require significant attention and are highly coveted. With proper planning and skills, experienced woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts can create these.
This detailed Instructable presents step-by-step instructions and valuable tips on how to make an epoxy resin river table with wood. The process is adaptable for crafting miniature side tables, spacious banquet tables, and diverse furniture and art items.
Steps for Making an Epoxy Resin River Table with Wood
Step 1: What You’ll Require: Preparation and Materials
To embark on this project, gather the following products and materials:
GlassCast® 50 clear epoxy resin
Wood – English Yew – with a waney edge
Translucent Tinting Pigments (blue was used in this instance)
Tape – flash/release and double-sided
Polypropylene Sheet
Polishing Compound and Oil (or similar)
Various tools, abrasives, spreaders, and mixing sticks
Mixing Cups & Mixing Buckets
Epoxy Adhesive
Safety Equipment
Hot-Melt Glue-Gun
Digital Scales
Working in a dry, intensely warmed space with a surrounding temperature of around 20°C throughout the process is crucial. Ensure that the epoxy resin is also at room temperature before use.
Step 2: Choosing and Preparing the Wood
Select seasoned, dry, and flat wood.
Interesting grains and waney-edges work well for this project.
Remove bark from the live edge using a chisel, rub it down with abrasive paper, and clean the wood from dirt and dust.
Step 3: Clinching the Wood and Stuffing the Knots
Check for cracks, damages, and spaces on both sides of the wood.
Seal cracks and gaps with resin, using tape to prevent resin runoff.
Overfill gaps slightly, allow curing, and level the surface with abrasives.
Step 4: Creating a Container
Position wood slabs, leaving space for the river channel.
Create a container using a base sheet and side barriers made of polypropylene.
Use a hot-melt glue gun to ensure the container is watertight.
Test for water tightness, dry the container and use clamps or weights to secure wood planks.
Step 5: Resin-Measuring, Adding Colour and Pouring
Decide whether to tint or leave the resin clear based on personal preference.
For this project, a blue translucent tinting pigment was used.
Measure and add the tint to the resin, ensuring thorough mixing.
Pour a base layer for sealing the wood and reaching the B-stage of cure.
Step 6: Flood the Foundation Layer and Allow it to Reach the B-Stage
Cover the whole base area with resin, place wood planks, and brush-seal the wood.
Position pre-covered wood blocks over barriers, clamp them into place, and let the resin reach the B-stage.
These comprehensive steps guide you through creating a stunning Live-Edge Resin River Table. It’s done by combining woodworking skills with epoxy resin craftsmanship.
Step 7: Pour River Layer 1
After reaching the B-stage on the base/sealing layer, it’s time for preparing the resin for Layer 1:
Measure the pre-pigmented resin and the correct amount of hardener.
Transfer to a second pot and mix thoroughly.
Pour the resin into the river channel.
Use a heat gun to remove bubbles, although GlassCast 50 is self-degassing.
Leave Layer 1 to cure to the B-stage.
Step 8: Pour River Layer 2
Repeat the stages for the second main pour too, once the B-stage is reached on part 1:
Measure
Mix
Pour
Heat Gun.
If necessary, repeat the process for additional layers. It ensures double potting the mixes and waiting for the B-stage before proceeding with the next layer. Slightly overfill the river channel and allow the resin to cure fully.
Step 9: Routing & Sanding
To finish the table:
Use a router over the slab or a drum sander/thicknesser if available.
Route the surface evenly, achieving equal thickness.
Sand the surface using a hand-operated sanding tool with coarse to smooth grits.
Progress through 120, 240, 400, 800, and 1200 grits, removing scrapes from the previous resilience before moving to the next.
Consider pouring a coating resin-like GlassCast 3 over the keyed surface for a high-gloss finish.
Step 10: Making and Attaching Sides/Legs
Create sides or legs for the table:
Measure and mark off the two sides/legs on the slab.
Mitre the slab at a 45° angle to create a 90° angle when joined.
Repeat the process for the other side/leg.
Bond the joints using clear epoxy adhesive.
Mask off areas around the joint to limit overspill and create a hinge.
Apply glue to the outer side of the joint, bring the sides together, and support during the cure.
Remove tape after complete curing.
Step 11: Polishing
To finish the table:
Seal the wood with clear Danish Oil before polishing the resin.
Use a hand-operated polisher and a high-quality and a well-reputed polishing compound like Pai Cristal NW1.
Immerse the compound into the river and use the polisher for a high-gloss finish.
Conclusion
Customize your furniture using different products such as wax or stain to alter the wood’s appearance. Experiment with various colors or objects embedded in the resin for a unique touch. The resin can look opaque after sanding, offering a matte effect. You can also opt for a coating resin for a full shiny finish; personal taste plays a significant role in the pinnacle presentation of your masterpiece.
