First Epoxy Inlay

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Aussie
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First Epoxy Inlay

Post by Aussie »

Turned out pretty well for a first try, this is straight off the machine after a Z 0 pass.
Thank you to members posts that helped me...
I believe it was Mitch that suggested using hot glue for a "dam" around the text... worked out great.
The other suggestion was to use 5 minute epoxy to coat the inlay before adding the colored epoxy.
S3 Logo1.jpg
Ron
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by mfirlott »

Nice Aussie.

Yup...and I still use that method today and don't think I'll ever change as it's so easy to apply and remove.

Very tight lines with what looks like no bleeding. Everything is nice and clear.

Great job!
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by scottp55 »

Very nice Ron!! :)
Good clean lines!
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by Holzarbeiter »

That is a great looking sign. I've done a few epoxy inlays in Corian and am getting ready to try some wood next.
I've heard folks like you say they sealed the inlay area with a clear epoxy. Can you explain your process in a little detail please?
I imagine with a 5 minute epoxy you gotta be quick! Do you brush it in....pour it in and swab it out?
thanks for any insight you can provide.
Joe

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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by jay pieper »

Hey Ron
I would also like a little more information on the way you do
your epoxy inlay. I have a project in mind, and I like the results
you achieved.

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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by jfederer »

Re: brushing in clear epoxy before pouring colour... I have been using EcoPoxy, a pourable epoxy with a long open time (30 minutes+ depending on temperature). After mixing the resin and hardener, I use a small disposable brush to apply the clear epoxy to the cut edges and bottom of the inlay area. Then I mix in the colour and do the pour. This leaves the possibility of a bit of bleeding through the clear layer but I haven't encountered that. Certainly brushing in a fast-set would make a better seal.
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by Aussie »

jay pieper wrote:
Wed Jul 29, 2020 2:32 pm
Hey Ron
I would also like a little more information on the way you do
your epoxy inlay. I have a project in mind, and I like the results
you achieved.
Hi Jay,
The timber is Spotted Gum and is a very tight grained hardwood, no sealer, mask or anything else was done to prepare the surface.
I used a 60 deg V Bit and a depth of cut was 7mm ( next time I will use a 30 deg bit which I believe will give a better result.
Using 5 minute epoxy I coated the bottom and sides of the inlay ( I did this to prevent possible "soaking" into the timer.... using the spotted gum I don't think it was necessary due to the grain being so tight) as this is a minor thing I will continue to do it.

Attached is an image after the pour …. I let it sit for 3 days and then zeroed off the surface of the material and did a pocket vector around the inlay using a start depth 0.0 and flat depth of 0.0
As you can see in the image I used the hot glue to make a dam to keep the different colored resin from over flowing.
If you zoom into the image I first posted you can see the tool marks, no bleeding at all just a little sanding to remove the tool marks.
Inlay.jpg
I shall do a little more testing before I try a real project.
Regards
Ron
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by TomGB »

To make sure I understand the process, you put a ribbon of hot glue on the outside border of areas you're going to epoxy so you can over-pour the epoxy, and then mill it back to Z=0?? Does the epoxy mill OK with and endmill? What do you use to sand the epoxy? Thanks

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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by jay pieper »

Hello Ron

Thanks for the speedy reply,
I think your process will work for what I want to do, just
have to fit it in the not to distant future. I'm finishing up
on a live edge walnut coffee table right now. When i get
into the epoxy project I will PM you for pointers if that's okay

Thanks Jay

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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by mfirlott »

TomGB wrote:
Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:53 pm
To make sure I understand the process, you put a ribbon of hot glue on the outside border of areas you're going to epoxy so you can over-pour the epoxy, and then mill it back to Z=0?? Does the epoxy mill OK with and endmill? What do you use to sand the epoxy? Thanks
Yes...for the hot glue...so can over pour and separate.
Yes...I then use end mill (my spoil board cleaning bit) to mill the top flush.
Then I sand through the grits starting at 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, 300, 400, 600 (wet). Makes it nice and smooth.
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by Aussie »

TomGB wrote:
Thu Jul 30, 2020 3:53 pm
To make sure I understand the process, you put a ribbon of hot glue on the outside border of areas you're going to epoxy so you can over-pour the epoxy, and then mill it back to Z=0?? Does the epoxy mill OK with and endmill? What do you use to sand the epoxy? Thanks
Yes that is correct, I use a Flat bottom 1/2 end mill and was happy with the results. Not sanded yet and probably won't as it was just a test.
I am sure there are members here that are very experienced in epoxy inlays etc and their finishing procedures.
Just wanted to show that for a first effort you can achieve reasonable results.
Ron
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Re: First Epoxy Inlay

Post by TomGB »

Thank you both

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