Pullstart 62,916 #1 Posted January 4, 2022 So, I built this table about 12 years ago out of my Grandfather’s work bench. It’s never been completed and needs a little help. What better time than now? @formariz Cas, you have been a huge inspiration through your posts and private messages. Even just being able to talk things through with you, it has a way of building confidence and care. I know this is not your caliber of tools, likely methods, or the like, but I appreciate your input. I’m looking forward to seeing this thing finished, and to have the air compressor out of the dining room 2 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #2 Posted January 4, 2022 Here are some pictures along the journey. I made a huge mistake, carving the death date wrong. It was a moment that my mind wasn’t clear enough to remember that April was month number 4 in the year. Nerves. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #3 Posted January 4, 2022 Then, I began adding some items that mean something. A couple of his tools, and one of the shell casings from his 21 gun salute. I have a few more things to do before another 3.5 gallons of clear epoxy is in order. 4 3 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #4 Posted January 4, 2022 I would suggest getting the ornaments down into the wood a little further. That's going to take alot of 50/50 to cover that deep and not sure on how it does in that thickness. A vanity top I build for some friends and covered in 50/50. 4 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #5 Posted January 4, 2022 I’m planning to fill the table about 3/8” thick, over numerous pours. The tools are about 1/4” above currently at the max. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnnymag3 2,520 #6 Posted January 4, 2022 Use a Dremel tool to get those items deeper...darn near flush...then top coat. Nice job so far !!!!! Awesome work and idea to retain memories !! Just my .03 cents 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #7 Posted January 4, 2022 Read up heavy on the 50/50 tips & tricks before you start the pour. Once you start there ain't no going back. I remember a propane torch was my best friend for getting air bubbles out. I'm thinking the more up they are the more "3D" they would look tho?? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #8 Posted January 4, 2022 My plan… if it goes well, is to pour 1/8” at a time and cure well between pours. With that plan, if needed I can always wet sand the epoxy smooth before the last pour if the screwdriver handle for example creates a ripple in the over coats. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,338 #9 Posted January 4, 2022 Very cool idea! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,641 #10 Posted January 4, 2022 2 hours ago, Sparky said: Very cool idea! 4 hours ago, Pullstart said: I’m looking forward to ***** have the air compressor out of the dining room.... Good thing you got you a patient female woman person. 😂 Beautiful project man. I'm looking forward to seeing it completed. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #11 Posted January 4, 2022 3 hours ago, Pullstart said: @formariz Cas, you have been a huge inspiration through your posts and private messages. Even just being able to talk things through with you, it has a way of building confidence and care. I know this is not your caliber of tools, likely methods, or the like, but I appreciate Thank you for the kind words. Always glad to help specially on such a meaningful project for you. Remember , it is not the type of tools, the methods one uses, not even the quest for "perfection" in the end result that matters.It is what is in one's heart when a project such as that one is attempted that is important.Every step brings back more memories and keeps them alive for your children and future grandchildren. It is a most honorable tribute to the ones that came before you, and I know that your grandfather would very much appreciate it. It is what we leave of ourselves in the ones we love that really matter in the end. The table is not just an object but evidence that he did leave a lot of value which is clearly reflected through your actions in life. A suggestion if I may. Undoubtedly the table will be treasured by your daughters and even their children in the future. Route a shallow recess in the underside of table and make a hinged "lid" for it. Print all the progress photos associated with the build of table including a copy of the video, and place them in that recess as a time capsule about the table's origin for future generations. As your grandchildren will sit at it and ask questions ," the photos will be worth a thousand words". 2 hours ago, WHX?? said: I'm thinking the more up they are the more "3D" they would look tho?? I believe that part of Kevin's intent may be to make it look like those items were just left on table as if just used. Sinking the rounded items such as screw drivers handle and shells past the widest part will leave big gaps around them detracting from that purpose. Minimal pours each time will allow epoxy to flow away as much as possible from inside corners maintaining the items' "projection" clearly defined rather than having a "ramp" there. 4 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #12 Posted January 11, 2022 I’ve got a little time this morning… We’ve acquired more of Grandpa’s 21 Gun Salute casings. 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,324 #13 Posted January 12, 2022 (edited) 8 hours ago, Pullstart said: We’ve acquired more of Grandpa’s 21 Gun Salute casings. Nice project. Too much of a good thing is too much. I would stick with one shell and look for something else that tells us about your Grandpa. Perhaps a coin or two from is birth year and the year he passed. PM me with the years and I will fix you up if you like the idea. I inherited my brother's coin collection and would be honored to be a part of this project. Edited January 12, 2022 by 953 nut 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #14 Posted January 12, 2022 Thank you for the offer Richard! The casings are in the table, along with the screwdriver, wrench and this button. We have narrowed it down to four pictures. Two of his semi truck (one with Grandma posing next to the truck), his US Army photo and one of us two. We stopped there, because the work bench itself has the story to tell as well. We’ve verified that the trinkets are deep enough below the finished surface and we’re doing final cleaning and will pour a layer of epoxy tonight. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #15 Posted January 12, 2022 43 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Nice project. I would stick with one shell and look for something else that tells us about your Grandpa. Pretty much suggested the same thing in his other thread 'Nuts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #16 Posted January 12, 2022 We did about a gallon pour last night. Oh man it looks so good! I’m glad to even have the voids from where the epoxy found it’s way through the first time filled up. Mrs. P and I kind of both agreed after that pour… no pictures. We’ll mix up another gallon tonight for another go-round! 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #17 Posted January 12, 2022 You doing that in the house you best have some cardboard underneath! Careful you don't get any in that floor flange! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #18 Posted January 12, 2022 14 minutes ago, WHX?? said: You doing that in the house you best have some cardboard underneath! Careful you don't get any in that floor flange! Momma wants new flooring! Having done a previous coat 12 years ago, we found no leaks last night. Just air bubbles and a torch job every 30 minutes. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #19 Posted January 12, 2022 And now we’re pretty much up to date. Second coat should be applied between 4 and 24 hours from first pour. Tonight we’ll likely do it all over. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHunter 1,700 #20 Posted January 12, 2022 That is a great project Kevin. It’s an awesome way to remember your Grandpa. I really like how you are incorporating his tools and other items. So cool! I hope that one day I will have meant so much to one of my family members that I will be honored in a similar way. He’s probably looking down and giving you a 👍 Great job. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,916 #21 Posted January 12, 2022 2 minutes ago, BHunter said: That is a great project Kevin. It’s an awesome way to remember your Grandpa. I really like how you are incorporating his tools and other items. So cool! I hope that one day I will have meant so much to one of my family members that I will be honored in a similar way. He’s probably looking down and giving you a 👍 Great job. Thanks Buddy! I was putting this up on YT this morning, thinking “I better come out with something for Mr. Hunter’s class to watch soon!” I’m sure Sir, that you mean that much! Even if they don’t say it, just know you’re doing a great job leaving a legacy… even if you might not stay close with those kids you mentor daily… they’ll remember you! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHunter 1,700 #22 Posted January 12, 2022 1 hour ago, Pullstart said: Thanks Buddy! I was putting this up on YT this morning, thinking “I better come out with something for Mr. Hunter’s class to watch soon!” I’m sure Sir, that you mean that much! Even if they don’t say it, just know you’re doing a great job leaving a legacy… even if you might not stay close with those kids you mentor daily… they’ll remember you! Tanks for thinking of my class. They enjoy the videos. You are making a legacy for yourself too. I truly do try to leave a good impression and make lasting memories for those around me. Thanks 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #23 Posted January 12, 2022 (edited) Might want to cover their ears Bob when he commences to yodeling... Yah don't quit yer day job yet Pullhosen..... Talk about butchering a nice song..... Edited January 12, 2022 by WHX?? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,602 #24 Posted January 12, 2022 43 minutes ago, WHX?? said: Might want to cover their ears Bob when he commences to yodeling... Yah don't quit yer day job yet Pullhosen..... Talk about butchering a nice song..... My ears… my ears… I can’t feel my ears… Day job…? Day job…? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 48,833 #25 Posted January 12, 2022 (edited) 29 minutes ago, SylvanLakeWH said: Day job…? Day job…? Yah I know but didn't want to be too rude and suggest he mummifie some curds in the table and get a hair cut like big brother bob! Edited January 12, 2022 by WHX?? 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites