Build thread - Creating a multi-family home
Discussion
I studied the concrete worktop thing at one time, and I think the main problem with casting them face down in getting the air out (it is with most casting processes). It's a shame to get a really smooth finish and have it spoiled by a load of open bubbles of various sizes. Corners are the worst areas for this.
Pvapour said:
maybe some kind of vibrating plate adapted?
that worktop creation is one of the most fascinating things I've seen on here, well done sir! definitely logged for future use
High praise indeed, coming from you, sir. Thanks!that worktop creation is one of the most fascinating things I've seen on here, well done sir! definitely logged for future use
A good vibrator is definitely key. Crawling between the saw horses to hammer the hell out of boards holding quite a lot of heavy wet stuff with a reciprocating saw above me was not my favorite part of this project. It worked, but not nearly as well as I'd hoped it would.
singlecoil said:
And the other problem, come to think of it, it to ensure that the worktop mould stays flat and level when it's filled with heavy concrete, you don't wan't to be casting a curved worktop.
We had a thick piece of ply sheet that we attached the melamine boards to, which was then carefully leveled and supported to make sure this didn't happen.singlecoil said:
Lots of stuff on YouTube, virtually all american, where they call them countertops.
Yes, that was frustrating. Both my friend and I are used to the US diy market stores, where you can walk in and buy most of the kit you would need to do this, including the Cheng system (http://www.concreteexchange.com/) with funky aggregates and plasticizers. I highly recommend his website for anyone wanting to try this. Over here, we got a lot of blank looks in the diy box stores.The beauty of it is, if you don't like it, the raw materials are cheap enough to do another one. Subtracting a not insignificant number of power tools and mixer rental, I reckon roughly 11m of 60mmx600mm counter owes me about £700 (not counting my time).
Edited by Minemapper on Wednesday 18th September 20:56
I've not actually bought the book. I did most of this from watching videos, reading lots of instructables and importing a buddy who had done it a couple more times than my once previous.
From memory (sorry, I don't do spread sheets like you do)...
Pure raw materials were:
Melamine
Ply (quality, not chipboard)
6 2x4's
1/2 ton sand
1/2 ton aggregate
15 bags cement
4 sheets of steel reinforcement grid
Foam board
Lots of screws
6 bottles dye
2 bottles plasticizer
1 bottle concrete sealer
It feels like there should be more, but I think that was about it.
From memory (sorry, I don't do spread sheets like you do)...
Pure raw materials were:
Melamine
Ply (quality, not chipboard)
6 2x4's
1/2 ton sand
1/2 ton aggregate
15 bags cement
4 sheets of steel reinforcement grid
Foam board
Lots of screws
6 bottles dye
2 bottles plasticizer
1 bottle concrete sealer
It feels like there should be more, but I think that was about it.
Minemapper said:
Yup. This was an eBay special. Needed a good clean and £60 worth of new hinges and it's good as new. Biggest problem so far is turning the burners down far enough for a reliable simmer.
Other than that, we find it works great for allowing us to both cook on it at the same time.
most companies do different jet sizes for different applications, maybe worth a look? we had to do the same for our ebay special Other than that, we find it works great for allowing us to both cook on it at the same time.
Hadn't thought of that, but good idea. I need to order a replacement for one of the middle wok burners anyway, so will ask about that at the same time. For any other F&P owners, it's well worth calling the UK folks in Milton Keynes direct for parts, as most of the internet sellers are charging you crazy money or NZ shipping.
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