Countertop made from metal chips - photo

[Jon]

Countertop made from metal chips. What is this? Is this genuine chips/shavings/swarf or whatever? Or is it mylar or some similar product?

I like this aesthetic. Can I just do this with metal shavings and epoxy?

[bruce.desertrat]

Looks like this is what you're seeing: Alkemi Polyester — renewed materials

You could probably DIY this with polyurethane like the bar tops with coins embedded in them and suchlike. It would definitely have to be very clean swarf for it to work I think.

[rendoman]

Like it!

[Frank S]

I think if I were to do this I would want a combination of SS steel Aluminum and Brass for a contrasting color mix I would want to lay down a thin layer of the polymer and let is partially set before spreading the swarf in the mold that way there would be no possibility of bits of the chips to protrude through the surface
Neat idea though

[sossol]

Funny timing... I just got 3 pounds of aluminum chips from 80/20 Inc just for this purpose a few days ago.



Neil

[Jon]

For the woodfolks:



I'm usually not a fan of the stuff-buried-in-epoxy look. It has a dive bar feel to it. I actually like dive bars, but not for their furniture. However, these swarf countertops could work.

[Ralphxyz]

yesterday there was a metal swaf countertop same epoxy method

Ralph

[brianpoundingnails]

I wonder if you could turn it or machine it afterwards? Imagine showcase machines with parts and handles made of that.

[Ralphxyz]

probable better to cast the shape rather than machining, unless the epoxy could take the heat of machining, the wood swarf would not produce as much heat.

Than trying to get the gloss back might be hard again depending on the expoxy.

But great idea, parts and handles made of swarf. It's got me thiniking.

Ralph

[Frank S]

probable better to cast the shape rather than machining, unless the epoxy could take the heat of machining, the wood swarf would not produce as much heat.

Than trying to get the gloss back might be hard again depending on the expoxy.

But great idea, parts and handles made of swarf. It's got me thiniking.

Ralph

Ralph is correct, It may not necessarily be heat from the machining but the inlay would be exposed leaving that open to the air, the wood chips or metal swarh or any other inlay would require a re-coat of the base material to seal any voids