Epoxy inlay

[Keith Stephens]

I am experimenting with epoxy with different materials, other than stone, to serve as filler and add color or texture. I would like natural material that can be turned with traditional tools. The rings in this bowl are filled with coffee grounds.
What are other suitible materials? Thanks.
Keith

 

[hockenbery]

Pewter is a material that can be poured into a groove when heated to a liquid. It can be turned easily with turning tools
Pewter doesn’t bond to wood so the grooves need to be dovetailed to keep the ring it.

Natural? It’s about as natural as epoxy.

Pewter melts around 450f will not scorch wood but plenty hot enough to give a nasty burn.


Nice looking rim!

 

[Ed Weingarden]

I use 15 minute epoxy and mix powdered metal into it to make a paste. Once the groove is filled, I wait 45 min - 1 hour and then remove the excess with a neg rake scraper. The epoxy is firm enough for the scraper to easily remove it, and does not get pulled out.

 

[Darryn Achall]

I pick up oyster shells off the beach and crush them. They then go through screens to sort into vials of large, medium and very small grain. Makes for inlays that resemble crushed stone. My tools cut the stuff just fine.

 

[Sam Fleisher]

I pick up oyster shells off the beach and crush them. They then go through screens to sort into vials of large, medium and very small grain. Makes for inlays that resemble crushed stone. My tools cut the stuff just fine.

I've been waiting for the local river to go down around here to pick up some clam shells. It's called Spoon River and one of the fall festivals coming up in October is the Spoon River Scenic Drive so I thought some locally sourced inlay might sell well. (probably not)