Epoxy resin goes very well with wood. The transparency of the resin brings out the grain of the wood and the
makes it more durable. With this in mind, here is an original creation to brighten up your aperitifs with friends: a turntable with colored resin inclusions.

This tray was created to present small dishes and verrines at the table in an original and practical way.
It is made of 19 mm pine and has 7 colored rings that form a rainbow. The central part does not receive dye to remain transparent. A ball bearing ensures the rotation between the mobile part and the foot.

Video

I encountered various difficulties on this project because I made 3 errors:

the preparation of the support
the mixture of dyes
the mixture of resin + hardener

In the end I managed to make up for it!

Supplies

Material:

Transparent resin 1.6 kgs
10 dyes for resin
Wooden board (here 19mm pine with knots)
152mm ball bearing
125mm abrasive sanding discs: 80, 180, 240, 320, 400, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000
Polishing paste for acrylic and plexiglass tube 150 ml

Tools:

Router
Drill
Sander
Plane
Hole saw 100mm

Step 1: Plan

Dimensions (radii from the center, in mm):

50 (with a 100mm hole saw)
68 (drill in the hole of the router)
88, 108, 128, 148, 168, 188 ("compass")
200 (edge cut)

The 3D view was made with Fusion 360

Plateau Apero Plan.pdf
Download

Step 2: Router Circles

To create perfect circles, the router and the ideal tool.

It is usually supplied with an accessory that allows it to be used as a compass, which allows both the machining of the rings and the cutting of the edge of the plate.

For the latter, proceed in several steps by increasing the depth with each pass.

Always work in safety: restrain the workpiece and wear protective goggles and earmuffs. A vacuum cleaner will allow you to keep the work area clear by evacuating the chips.

Step 3: Router Circles (continued)

Perform the following operations:

Use the router in "compass" mode with a 12mm groove cutter. Measure the radius between the centering tip and the center of the cutter.
Secure the board with clamps then drill through the center. Dig the 7 rings, starting with the smallest.
Finish by cutting the plate with a straight 6 mm cutter, making several deeper and deeper passages.

Step 4: Center Hole

Cut out the bottom following the same principle then drill the center, as well as that of the table top, with a 100 mm hole saw, holding it with clamps.

Step 5: Preparation for Resin

To avoid resin leaks, place the tray on a plastic film by making a silicone bead between the 2, the demoulding will be simplified.

Step 6: Resin Dosage

To successfully cast epoxy resin, there are several points to be observed:

- Dosage: it is important to respect the doses indicated by the manufacturer between the resin (A) and the hardener (B). In the present case, the dosage is 100 A for 60 B, for example: 100 g of resin for 60 g of hardener. Use an electronic kitchen scale or other precision scale.

- Mixing: it must be done slowly, with a wooden spatula. Mix for 2-3 minutes, scraping the bottom and edges well.

- Casting : it must be done very slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. For the dyes, mix the bottle well, then proceed gradually, starting by adding one or two drops to the resin, mix again, then add more to find the desired shade. Handle the resin with latex gloves and work in a heated, well-ventilated room.

Step 7: Colored Rings

Dose the resin + hardener mixture precisely, mix slowly, add the coloring and mix again.

Place the tray on a perfectly level table then pour the mixture slowly down the throat until flush with the brim.

Dosages in grams (A / B):

Brown: 45/27
Red: 50/30
Orange: 65/39
Yellow: 80/48
Green: 82 / 49.2
Blue: 85/51
Purple: 100/60

Step 8: Smoothing

The casting of the resin in several parts makes the surface irregular. Use an eccentric sander to smooth the backing with different sanding discs, starting at 80 grit and finishing at 3000. Work at low speed to avoid heating the resin.

Step 9: Finishing

Finish with a hand-applied polishing paste, or with a drill-mounted polishing pad for example. Although rather resistant, the resin is sensitive to UV, apply a protective varnish spray on the surface of the tray to protect it durably.

Step 10: Last Layer

After sanding, the wood is visible. To protect it, apply a thin layer of resin all over the board.

Step 11: It Turns!

Screw the ball bearing starting with the foot, then the plate by crossing 4 holes previously drilled in the foot.

Step 12: Borders

Restore the edges using the router attached under the workbench and finish by putting polishing paste on an old washcloth, place it on the edge of the tray, then rotate the tray with your other hand.