I have a dry 5-6" thick Sycamore cookie (my old tree), about 30" diameter, that I'd like to make into an end table. There is a radial check/crack about 9" long and 3/4" max at the periphery that I gather (I'm a beginner) I will want to stabilize.
I came across some copper bowties that I'd like to use instead of the classic wood. These are designed to be seen, so I would use one on the top of the table. I'm not sure if the crack is big enough to warrant one of the bottom as well (5" thick slab). I plan to use prefab metal legs so I could span the underside of the crack with one of these
I'm looking for some assistance with planning, particularly with the logical sequence of events. Here are two options I'm considering.
Option#1
1. Flatten slab with router jig, sand and prep surface and edges of slab
2. Create cutout for bowtie and dry fit
3. Glue in bowtie (polyurethane glue?)
4. Pour epoxy in crack. Will I have any issues cleaning epoxy off the bowtie? I would try to wipe clean before it dries I imagine.
5. After dried, clean up surface with card scraper and/or additional sanding
6. Polyurethane on top (including copper bowtie?)
Option #2
1. Fill cracks with epoxy first
2. Flatten slab with router jig after epoxy hardens, sand and prep surface
3. Create cutout for bowtie (will cutting the epoxy be a problem?)
4. Glue bowtie and clean up glue (maybe an issue)
5. Polyurethane.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
I came across some copper bowties that I'd like to use instead of the classic wood. These are designed to be seen, so I would use one on the top of the table. I'm not sure if the crack is big enough to warrant one of the bottom as well (5" thick slab). I plan to use prefab metal legs so I could span the underside of the crack with one of these
I'm looking for some assistance with planning, particularly with the logical sequence of events. Here are two options I'm considering.
Option#1
1. Flatten slab with router jig, sand and prep surface and edges of slab
2. Create cutout for bowtie and dry fit
3. Glue in bowtie (polyurethane glue?)
4. Pour epoxy in crack. Will I have any issues cleaning epoxy off the bowtie? I would try to wipe clean before it dries I imagine.
5. After dried, clean up surface with card scraper and/or additional sanding
6. Polyurethane on top (including copper bowtie?)
Option #2
1. Fill cracks with epoxy first
2. Flatten slab with router jig after epoxy hardens, sand and prep surface
3. Create cutout for bowtie (will cutting the epoxy be a problem?)
4. Glue bowtie and clean up glue (maybe an issue)
5. Polyurethane.
Any advice would be much appreciated!