Live edge and leveling

[Bertotti]

Well, I have all but given up on a live edge slab just to darn expensive. But I can get some downed trees here and I have had a thought. I am thinking it might be cool to weave some smaller branches into a medium tight mass and do an epoxy pour, level it, then sand it, and finish the pour. Two questions. Has anyone used fresher wood and leave or do these items need to be dried properly before applying the two-part epoxy pour? I wonder about long term rot if the items are to wet going in and adhesion issues. I am wondering if I wouldn't be better served to do the weave wet than drying it well before the pour. Any thoughts and experiences are welcome. I actually hope this works well enough that I could make a few tables and sell them. Thanks again!

Second. I have a Ryobi router it is older and quite powerful but the plastic housing and coarse threads make it a bit more delicate to set up for use with my Leigh jig. Doable but I am always worried about it slipping and nicking the jig although that has never happened. I have considered the of1010 but hate to give up the 1/2" collet option. Just how powerful is the of1010 would it work if pulled into duty leveling a top, just curious because the odds are good I would use the big Ryobi for that. Thanks again!

 

[Thompmd]

I’m no expert but IMO I wouldn’t do anything with a Live Edge slab unless it had been properly dried. What species are you referring to and where have you looked to purchase?

As the piece continues to dry it will move and I don’t think you’ll be happy with the results .

 

[Bertotti]

I’m in South Dakota. What ever aI get will be from a tree line. But good news is I found two maple butcher block counter tops I had forgotten I had. I was saving them for
A future assemble table but this is a cheaper quicker better use for them. I will spend time this winter gathering some downed trees locally and let them air dry then take my ideas from there. I suspect the same thing you do about wood moving. Thanks!

 

[Thompmd]

Your welcome. What worked/works for me is finding trees/logs having them cut down, I take them to have them slabbed and then I pick up and take to kiln then take to sell. It’s been a joy and Ive made enough to buy my tools , get my wood I use for nothing and now doing additional things.

 

[Bertotti]

I really don't live in the right place for my wood desires. The Prairie is oddly sparse in the tree department. Still, plenty of imported tree stands farmers just knock down now and then and burn.

 

[Thompmd]

That made me chuckle, make sure there aren’t any farmers in them when you knock down. I’ve not been to SD, just thought it might be a possibility. Here in Indiana we have a fair amount of hardwoods(and farmers) so it’s not terribly difficult but I really enjoy being around all the people w similar likes. Good Luck with your search and project