Introduction: Lego Cufflinks

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Step 1: What You Need:

  • Elmer's Super Fast Epoxy or something similar
  • cufflinks with 8mm pads
  • square, four top legos - thick or thin work.
  • disposable containers and stirrers for mixing epoxy
Notes on glues:
These proved especially difficult. Perhaps it was the coating on the cufflinks, perhaps I was too rough when testing the bond (though I guess that's not a bad thing), perhaps the glue gods just didn't like me at the time. I used my standard Aleene's 7800 glue on these with no luck except for the red pair, and who knows why that one decided to adhere! Then I tried Gorilla Glue epoxy and it also failed to stick. So I'm highly recommending the Elmer's epoxy (thanks to Randy for the suggestion!) - I want anyone who duplicates this to have a successful project, and not three days of cussing like I had. ;)

Notes on obtaining cufflinks:
The local bead store had them, but not the right size. Michael's did not carry them. I would recommend buying them off ebay, as you can get them much cheaper and in bulk. I got 5 pairs for $15 there. You can go even cheaper than that if you'd like to wait to have them shipped from Japan! I also have to recommend buying supplies from etsy - the sellers there are amazing and just as cheap, if not cheaper than ebay.

Step 2: Working With Epoxy.


Let it be known I'm not a fan, but it really was a good way to do this project.

Follow the directions on your epoxy very closely, and try to get one that dries clear.

Make sure you're in a well ventilated area, because it will smell. It means business. Also keep in mind that the Elmer's epoxy sets up very quickly, so only dispense a small amount at a time or you'll be left with a huge amount of tacky/dried epoxy in your container.

I was only able to coat 3-4 cufflinks and get them in place before my epoxy set up. I wasted a large amount on the first couple batches so plan accordingly.

Wipe any mistakes you make off right away or you'll have to sand them off later.

And make sure not to get any on yourself. I washed my hands constantly and had acetone nail polish remover nearby at all times. :)


Step 3: Epoxy-ing

Proper steps:
  • mix a tiny amount of epoxy in a disposable container with a disposable stirring device
  • use the end of the stirring device to apply a small amount of epoxy to a cufflink and then press firmly into place right over the circular bit in the middle of the back for at least 60 seconds - I did counting to keep time.
  • move on to the next cufflink, repeating the process.
  • once you've done 4-5 of them, the epoxy in the container will start setting up and getting a serious tacky skin, so take this as your cue to stop and check to make sure all cufflinks and pressed down firmly. (I had some issues with bubbles forming and pushing the cufflinks up away from the lego back.)
  • mix up more epoxy and continue!

Step 4: Let Them Cure.


The Elmer epoxy says to allow 12-24 hours for a full cure, and I'm going to say you should go with the full time. :)

So just let them hang out in a place where people won't mess with them until the time is up!

Step 5: Enjoy!


Three of the pairs have been claimed by people in the Instructables office, so here's hoping for some action shots soon. :)

Until then, more of the same sexy macro shots.