Epoxy resin or, also known as epoxy resin or epoxy resin, is a material that is rarely used in DIY, despite providing many really creative and very aesthetic possibilities.
For this reason, today we wanted to make a super original DIY project. Next We will see, step by step, how to make a large wall clock made entirely of epoxy resin and a sliced oak log.
Specifically, we have used the transparent epoxy resin from Resin Pro, specialists in this type of resin.
This innovative material, bicomponent epoxy resin, provides a series of advantages, among which we can highlight the following:
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- The resin, once hardened, achieves high transparency.
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- It has excellent mechanical and chemical resistance.
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- It achieves a high impregnation and reinforcement of technical fabrics.
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- It has a long time for its workability.
- Provides shiny surfaces and is self-levelling.
Epoxy resin is ideal for modeling, artistic creations, even fiberglass repairs, among other applications.
During the next few months we will carry out different projects of various applications of this material, showing how to prepare it and how to apply it.
Tools and materials needed
Before telling you everything you will need to carry out this project, I will leave you in detail all the costs.
As you can see, I indicate the total cost on the one hand, and the real cost on the other. The reason is that there are products that we will have to buy a container from which we will not use all the product.
This watch, on the market, could reach three times its real cost, for the shortest part. So if you are skilled with your hands and have the necessary tools, I encourage you to do it.
What will I need and how much is it worth?
Some of the products and/or tools can be purchased at Bauhaus and Leroy Merlin. Others on the website of each brand. Or, even, in one of its distributors.
But if you don’t want to get involved, and spend most of your time on what is really important, which is carrying out this project, I recommend the Amazon Marketplace. In one place you can buy them or simply get information.
Clicking on each of the following images will take you to the article. Where you can read its characteristics, its price and, of course, buy it if that is what you want.
Epoxy resin clock combined with logs
In this article we collect the entire procedure to carry out a super original design clock to hang on the wall.
Graphic video document
Although below you have the entire process detailed, which includes additional information of interest, I also include the corresponding video tutorial below so that you do not have the slightest doubt.
However, otherwise, you can leave us your question in a comment and we will try to clarify it for you as soon as possible.
Making the mold
We have made the mold with a PVC plate. We have cut it to size, joining both ends with rivets.
Then we have protected the entire mold, both the PVC plate and the wooden base, with a special plastic film. In this way, we will avoid problems when extracting the epoxy resin once hardened.
This plastic release agent, being adhesive, is very easy to apply. Just cut it to size with normal scissors, peel off the backing, and stick it on.
We place the PVC ring on the board and fix it with 4 pegs, also called dowels, widely used in carpentry, so that it does not move during the process.
As the epoxy resin has a very low coefficient of viscosity, we will put a bead of plasticine all around the ring, to avoid the possibility of the resin leaking.
Log bucking
Well, we will make the clock with epoxy resin and wood. Therefore, we will use a log of oak wood about 15 cm in diameter, which we have cut into 22 mm thick slices. Before the cut, we have removed the cork that covers it.
To do this, we will use the 18V disk saw, belonging to the Ryobi One+ range of power tools.
In order to make the cuts as precise as possible, we mounted the saw in stationary mode, fixed upside down on the workbench.
As we had the reference at the base of the trunk, we put a wooden stop, to serve as a cutting base. In this way, both faces would be parallel to each other, and with the same thickness.
First casting of epoxy resin
Once all the pieces of wood have been cut, we have made the composition. But before this, as the resin is self-levelling, we have to check the horizontality of the support, shimming it if necessary.
We arranged the pieces to our liking and, once the composition was finished, we proceeded to prepare the resin.
Preparing the epoxy resin
For the resin to harden correctly, we have to mix the two components. To do this, we need the following:
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- A container to make the mixture.
- And a mixer. In my case I used a mixing rod, mounted on the drill.
You have to set the weight to zero and pour the resin.
For every 5 parts of resin, there are 3 parts of catalyst. So, we put the weight back to zero, and we add the hardener.
Now we mix well a couple of minutes at low speed. First in one direction, and then in the other.
Once the mixture is stirred, we add the blue luminescent pigment. And we mixed another minute.
pouring the resin
Once the mixture is finished, pour it into the mold being careful not to cover the logs. To do this, we will temporarily remove a couple of them, which we will put back as soon as we finish pouring the resin.
We also fill the interior holes of the trunks with resin.
Once you have finished pouring the resin, in the event that bubbles appear, which will be the most likely, we will easily eliminate them by applying a little heat. It’s that simple.
With a kitchen torch, they disappear as if by magic.
Lastly, since wooden logs float, we put weight on them.
Well, once the first cast is finished, we will let it set for 24 hours.
Clarification
Before continuing, I’ll tell you what happened to me.
I made the mistake or, rather, I was careless not to put the non-stick film on the wooden lid.
When I went to unmold, I realized that the wooden lid had been stuck. When removing it, part of it was stuck, and well stuck, to the resin and to the trunks. So, I had to sand them down.
Well, the important thing is that we were able to solve the problem.
the timestamps
Well, before unmolding, we put the twelve time marks. To do this, we use aluminum strips 10 mm wide, 50 mm long, and 2 mm thick.
We have made the four main zones double, unlike the rest, which are simple.
We fixed them with double-sided tape, so that they would not move when pouring the resin.
Applying the second pour
The time has come to apply a second wash but, this time, transparent.
Therefore, we made the mixture exactly the same as the previous one, but without adding the blue fluorescent pigment.
Once the mixture is made and well stirred, we pour it. Eliminating, also with heat, the bubbles.
And let it set for 24 hours.
When the mixture is transparent, when pouring it, a great opacity is appreciated. No need to be alarmed. As it hardens, it gradually recovers its initial transparency.
Finishing the DIY clock
Once the new epoxy resin casting has hardened, we will proceed to remove the mold. For this, we will remove two of the rivets that we put to close the ring.
As you can see in the video, the PVC mold comes out without any problem.
Once this is done, we drill just the center, to pass the arm of the clock.
From behind, we present the mechanism and mark it with an indelible marker. And in this same way, we will mark the location of the hanger plate.
These recesses will be done with the Ryobi One+ battery-powered router.
Then we fix the plate with some lag screws. And we anchor the clock mechanism in the recess that we have made, in this way, the clock will be completely attached to the wall.
After this, we must finish the resin, which we will do by applying a layer of PintyPlus transparent gloss varnish spray.
Once the varnish is dry, we assemble the two hands of the clock, connect the battery, and set the time.
Well, what do you think of the project we have done, combining epoxy resin with natural wood?
Next project with epoxy resin
If this watch seems spectacular to you, the next project we will do will seem extraordinary, also with epoxy resin. It is about the realization of a design table like the one that appears in the following photo.
I have located it on the internet, but the price is astronomical. Well, not only will I tell you how to do it, but I’ll tell you how to do it for a lot less money.
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