poured epoxy for bath vanity counter top

[Dan Williams]

I'm toying with the idea of making a countertop with a sink cut out for a small sink in a small powder room. Haven't decided on the species of wood yet maybe white oak, and using a poured epoxy to seal the wood from moisture. Has anyone ever used the epoxy in this or a similar application. Good idea, bad idea? Would it be best to make the sink cut out before or after pouring the epoxy? The actual edge of the cut would be covered by the sink flange. Would the heat from cutting with a jig saw blade create a heat problem with the epoxy? Thanks for any advice

[Lew Hodgett]

White oak and epoxy have a compatibility problem.

If you want to use epoxy, try a different wood.

Lew

[Toller]

Why is that?

[Lew Hodgett]

Never checked it out, just took the advice of some old boat builders, think it is the tannic acid in oak.

When the laminate white oak bent ribs for wooden ships such as the USS Constitution, using 3/4 thick stock, they use rescorcial.

That purple ooze is a sure clue.

Lew

[goaway]

The biggest problem is that the wood is not stable in dimension, but most epoxies are. However some epoxies are designed for movement, because they used where some flexing is initially expected. The other issue is insuring the bond between the wood and the epoxy. Some wood continue to have surface oils appear many years later and the epoxy will just lift. The best place to start looking is in the boating world. In that world wood, movement epoxies are a every day occurrence. A lot less grief is a laminate top. Good Luck