Wood and Epoxy Resin Aperitif Turntable

by MagicManu

8.0K7819

Intro: Wood and Epoxy Resin Aperitif Turntable

Epoxy resin goes very well with wood. The transparency of the resin brings out the grain of the wood and the
makes it more durable. With this in mind, here is an original creation to brighten up your aperitifs with friends: a turntable with colored resin inclusions.

This tray was created to present small dishes and verrines at the table in an original and practical way.
It is made of 19 mm pine and has 7 colored rings that form a rainbow. The central part does not receive dye to remain transparent. A ball bearing ensures the rotation between the mobile part and the foot.

Video

I encountered various difficulties on this project because I made 3 errors:

  • the preparation of the support
  • the mixture of dyes
  • the mixture of resin + hardener

In the end I managed to make up for it!

STEP 1: Plan

Dimensions (radii from the center, in mm):

  • 50 (with a 100mm hole saw)
  • 68 (drill in the hole of the router)
  • 88, 108, 128, 148, 168, 188 ("compass")
  • 200 (edge cut)

The 3D view was made with Fusion 360

STEP 2: Router Circles

To create perfect circles, the router and the ideal tool.

It is usually supplied with an accessory that allows it to be used as a compass, which allows both the machining of the rings and the cutting of the edge of the plate.

For the latter, proceed in several steps by increasing the depth with each pass.

Always work in safety: restrain the workpiece and wear protective goggles and earmuffs. A vacuum cleaner will allow you to keep the work area clear by evacuating the chips.

STEP 3: Router Circles (continued)

Perform the following operations:

  • Use the router in "compass" mode with a 12mm groove cutter. Measure the radius between the centering tip and the center of the cutter.
  • Secure the board with clamps then drill through the center. Dig the 7 rings, starting with the smallest.
  • Finish by cutting the plate with a straight 6 mm cutter, making several deeper and deeper passages.

STEP 4: Center Hole

Cut out the bottom following the same principle then drill the center, as well as that of the table top, with a 100 mm hole saw, holding it with clamps.

STEP 5: Preparation for Resin

To avoid resin leaks, place the tray on a plastic film by making a silicone bead between the 2, the demoulding will be simplified.

STEP 6: Resin Dosage

To successfully cast epoxy resin, there are several points to be observed:

- Dosage: it is important to respect the doses indicated by the manufacturer between the resin (A) and the hardener (B). In the present case, the dosage is 100 A for 60 B, for example: 100 g of resin for 60 g of hardener. Use an electronic kitchen scale or other precision scale.

- Mixing: it must be done slowly, with a wooden spatula. Mix for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom and edges well.

- Casting : it must be done very slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. For the dyes, mix the bottle well, then proceed gradually, starting by adding one or two drops to the resin, mix again, then add more to find the desired shade. Handle the resin with latex gloves and work in a heated, well-ventilated room.

STEP 7: Colored Rings

Dose the resin + hardener mixture precisely, mix slowly, add the coloring and mix again.

Place the tray on a perfectly level table then pour the mixture slowly down the throat until flush with the brim.

Dosages in grams (A / B):

  • Brown: 45/27
  • Red: 50/30
  • Orange: 65/39
  • Yellow: 80/48
  • Green: 82 / 49.2
  • Blue: 85/51
  • Purple: 100/60

STEP 8: Smoothing

The casting of the resin in several parts makes the surface irregular. Use an eccentric sander to smooth the backing with different sanding discs, starting at 80 grit and finishing at 3000. Work at low speed to avoid heating the resin.

STEP 9: Finishing

Finish with a hand-applied polishing paste, or with a drill-mounted polishing pad for example. Although rather resistant, the resin is sensitive to UV, apply a protective varnish spray on the surface of the tray to protect it durably.

STEP 10: Last Layer

After sanding, the wood is visible. To protect it, apply a thin layer of resin all over the board.

STEP 11: It Turns!

Screw the ball bearing starting with the foot, then the plate by crossing 4 holes previously drilled in the foot.

STEP 12: Borders

Restore the edges using the router attached under the workbench and finish by putting polishing paste on an old washcloth, place it on the edge of the tray, then rotate the tray with your other hand.

STEP 13: Enjoy!

Enjoy evenings with friends with French champagne... ! :)

... Or alone while waiting for the end of this health crisis! :(

If you like my creation, please consider your vote for the Woodworking Contest :)

17 Comments

cirena 3 years ago

Well done!
In the video there is a step where you use a torch for removing the bubbles.
Found myself typing words from the auto-generated subtitles in French in the Google Translate. The translation was:
"I use a small torch to remove the bubbles on the surface, but the ideal is a heat gun where you can adjust the temperature."
Maybe it will be nice info to add in the DIY :)
Thank you for this information.

MagicManu 3 years ago

Correct, I forgot to specify it in this page. But be careful: the torch must not be used for too long otherwise it will damage the resin.

Stevens Workshop 3 years ago

Good instructable with some really detailed steps. Thanks for the specific details on the mixing amounts for each ring.

XYZ Create 3 years ago

This project turned out great! You could even leave the center circle empty for a place to put a bowl with cheese/dips.

MagicManu 3 years ago

Thank you and good idea for the center!

WUVIE 3 years ago

Wow, this is amazing!
Your video and instructions are very clear, great job!
Kudos, and thumbs up.

MagicManu 3 years ago

Thank you very much for these compliments, it's nice ;)

DawnN2 3 years ago

What a great project! When I saw the last pic with the lights in the middle I thought - how cool it would be to make the router'ed out rings almost through the wood, pour the epoxy then sand off the wood so you could see through the beautiful epoxy!

MagicManu 3 years ago

Thank you ! Yes indeed, the resin is quite suitable for doing that too!

TtRex979 3 years ago

This is so beautiful!! I wish I owned it. That's how much I love it. You've got my vote. Also I like how clear your instructions are with clear pictures of every step. Thank you.

MagicManu 3 years ago

Thank you very much for these compliments!

LincolnsCreations 3 years ago

I think I could make this and I like the look, thanks for sharing.

MagicManu 3 years ago

Thank you that's nice ;)