Lab Table Top

[coolhammerman]

I live in Atlanta. I have been asked to supply a client with an epoxy topped lab table 144"x36"x3/4".

1) Where can I get an epoxy or even phonelic resin table top? I'm sure they won't mind 2 72" attached to make the 144". I have had trouble finding 36" wide material.

2) Has anyone worked with this stuff. Can I use carbide tooling?

Same client. Does anyone know where I can get some 3/4" plastic sheets like they use in public restrooms to separate stalls. I've seen it used for doors, dividers between urinals and dividers. It usually has a bumpy surface.

Yes I've done the Google thing, but with very limited success. Hope someone can help. Freight will be a problem with this heavy stuff so I need a supplier close in.

Ron

[Gary Campbell]

Ron...
Not sure on the lab grade epoxy, but you may be able to sub black Paperstone brand material.

Havnt used the lab grade, but carbide tooling works fine on all but granite & other stone top materials.

I believe you may be thinking of King brand "Starboard" for the toilet partitions, it is used often in FL as it's made on the west coast, Venice, I think. It is most often used as a marine panel and is available across the US. There are some "generic" brands that are not so pricey.
Gary

[cip]

The 3/4" stuff that is used in bath rooms as dividers is usually Solid Surface material and can be ordered 36" wide and is lab grade.

[cip]

Forgot to mention, if you use Corian, tell them it's for a non residential application it's cheaper because they don't have to warranty it.

[bleeth]

Ron:
Phenolic Lab tops are manufatured by Formica, for one, and the local distributor in Atlanta can get it for you.
It machines with normal tooling.
Mike is correct about the solid surface partitions, but Corian does not do 3/4". Most Solid Surface only comes in 1/2" and there is partition hardware for it.
An alternative is 3-form plastics in UTAH. Either way your client better be ready to spend some big bucks.

[coolhammerman]

Thanks everyone. I'll pursue your leads. In this economy, everyone is pinching pennies and my client is no exception. They have already turned down one quote from someone else.

I would love to get this one. It will keep me busy until fall when my "Regular" job kicks in again.

The Other Ron Brown in Atlanta.

[coolhammerman]

Just to clear up any confusion, I don't post very much, but I read pretty often. Got my Bot in 2006 from Eric Francy in New York. There is another Ron Brown who has been on the board much longer than me, so I'm changing my public name to Ronco. That's an inside joke because of my selling style when I'm on tour with The Woodworking Shows as a professional tool demonstrator in front of large crowds. But Wait! There's More! buy it today and get. . . for free! Well, if it works. . .

Thanks again,
Ronco

[cip]

Dave FYI
I double checked with Corian and they do still supply 3/4" stock. Doesn't come in all colors but it is available.

[bleeth]

Wow-Thank God I have never had it specified. The stuff must weigh a ton!!

[myxpykalix]

Hey Ron...is your last name Popiel? I'd be interested to know what type of other woodworking tools you sell?

[coolhammerman]

Jack:
I work for Woodline USA out of Nashville, Tn. I travel with them on the largest woodworking show circuit in America, The Woodworking Shows http:/www.thewoodworkingshows.com (http://www.thewoodworkingshows.com). The season is October through the first of May so I'm off (read unemployed) for the summer. I sold cabinet door router bit sets for three years then switched over to turning related including turning chisels and measuring tools January of 2009. I also sell ebony hand planes. I have 3 DVD's published on turning and have another one coming out soon. www.coolhammers.com (http://www.coolhammers.com)

If you watch Pitchmen on TV, I'm not that bad, but in the same arena. At the end of my formal presentation for whatever product I've just demonstrated, I always say "But Wait. There's More. . . then I describe the various freebies they will get if they purchase right now at the show. And I always try to give them lots of extra stuff so they feel good about the purchase and have a valid reason to make the purchase from me now at this time. If you offer enough free stuff which actually has perceived value, folks will make the purchase at the show rather than from the internet or my competition. Hence the name. . . Ronco.

I founded a general purpose woodworking club in Atlanta in 1998 and today it has approx 170 members. It meets every Saturday morning from 8am to 9:30 at Stone Mountain Power Tool's retail store in Norcross, Georgia (Atlanta). We also have an accredited AAW special interest group and an active scroll saw club, both of which meet during the week in the evening once per month.

I'm a cabinet maker, furniture maker, trim carpenter, turner, former stained glass artist and most passionately a Botter! Love that Bot!

I know, that's way more information than you needed, but you asked.

Ronco

[dlcw]

Ron,

You might want to take a look at his material. It is fully approved for laboratory applications and is chemical proof.

http://www.diamondsurfaces.com/

Don Thomson
Diamond Lake Custom Woodworks, LLC
www.diamondlakewoodworks.com (http://www.diamondlakewoodworks.com)

[erik_f]

Hey Ronco! Good to see you are doing well and still botting. I hope the PRT is holding up well for you...I miss my big bot!

[coolhammerman]

Erik:
Hi there. You wouldn't recognize your old machine. When I did the G4 upgrade it really changed things. I've added some other stuff and really have it running well. Check out my web site at www.coolhammers.com (http://www.coolhammers.com) and you will see some pretty astounding stuff. I heard you got a Buddy and are going strong yourself. Good luck.

Ronco

[coolhammerman]

Don:
Good lead. The client seems to be fixated on epoxy or pheonlic. They do chemicals and biologic's in this part of the lab so they have certain regulatory requirements for fixtures. It would save them money, but other factors may dictate what I have to use.

I did get a reasonable quote including shipping on black 1" thick pheonlic so probably going to go that way on this particular project.

Ronco

[myxpykalix]

Ron,
If you have worked the Chantilly, va woodworking show for woodline i probably have bought stuff from you. I've bought router bit sets, that box making fence kit (forgot name of it) and other stuff at the shows. It is usually from this bald pudgy guy with glasses...is that you? lol.

[erik_f]

Ronco,
I know this is off the topic, but I always knew you would do so much more with the CNC than I have been able to...I am enjoying my Buddy, but on a personal level, more than trying to make money with it. The site looks great!

[coolhammerman]

Jack:
Although bald and pudgy is a very apt description, it is the successful, dynamic, effervescent, ever humble Wayne Sutter to whom you refer. Wayne is the owner of Woodline USA, my boss, my friend and my mentor. Wayne owns 4 Bots, two 4896 prt's with 7518 PC routers and two 4896 Alphas with spindles.

Wayne is the reason I can do so much with my PRT today. He is a genius and has literaly made many millions of dollars in sales with his Bots. Yes I work the Chantilly show and will be there again this season. Love to meat you so please look me up. I will be somewhere in the Woodline booth.

Wayne is to me like Cezar Milan is to the dog world. Wayne is A M A Z I N G. He makes his bots dance.

Erik:
Wayne was my consultant when I was looking for machines. You spoke with him for an hour before he called me and advised that I go ahead and purchase your machine. On his advice, I upgraded to the G4 as he had done with his.

If we don't help others along the way, we won't get nearly as far.

Thanks all.
Ronco