Hobbies Rivertables
Woodworking with epoxy resin:
Building Rivertables
As a change from programming and my office job, I am passionate about handicrafts. Having fun and being creative at least makes up for some of the lack of knowledge. Some time ago, I saw a so-called Rivertable for the first time. This essentially consists of two wooden planks that are filled in the middle with (sometimes blue) epoxy resin to create a solid top. It looks as if a river is flowing between two banks of wood. This inspired me to build some stools and tables myself. The planning and implementation involved many obstacles. For example, a fan box had to be built to evaporate the liquid epoxy resin and a construction had to be constructed to flatten the table top. You can see some of the results below. Have fun!
First attempt: Small plant stool
In the first attempt I planned a smaller scale to test the different techniques. This required a smaller amount of epoxy resin, a smaller fan box and a simpler dressing construction. The gloss finish presented me with particular challenges.
Second project: Lava coffee table
I tackled the actual goal of building a living room table in my second attempt. I used the familiar color combination and oak wood. Golden table runners were used so as not to create too great a contrast with the table. The finish with an epoxy hard coat was also difficult here. However, the details with the knotholes on the table are a real eye-catcher.
Faster construction: Black-metallic table
Building the third table took about two weeks and was much quicker than the first coffee table. I also decided to use black edges. Unfortunately, I stirred the resin in the semi-solid additive, which meant I had to mill off a lot more material. The surface has become my best work to date. The chosen table legs are even more solid and better anchored in the top.
No Rivertable: Epoxy-covered table
My last table was supposed to be a super fast build. I therefore decided to cover the entire surface with resin, which worked well. Creating the pattern was one of the biggest uncertainties with this project, but it worked well so far. The construction was a little easier and cheaper, but the result convinced me personally.