Unusual epoxy experiment

[DavidF]

This is bathroom related so it may belong in the bilge. But the technology is boat related, so I'll put it here.
Three years ago I built a soaking tub out of 2x4s, slate, beadboard, epoxy and plywood.

I did a fair bit of research and there was a strong feeling that this was a stupid thing to do. It was especially risky because the tub is below all the plumbing in the house. So my tub has a bilge pump. The epoxy is West System Mirror Coat and the ply is 3/4 birch from Home Despot. The only screws are used create slope near the drain and they are bunged. I have recoated the tub with epoxy once after just a light buffing (the dog who is afraid of fireworks jumped into the tub before her pedicure.) There was some water incursion along the top edge below the slate because I used common bath caulk. I replaced it with roofing sealant and the problem went away. I clean the tub with regular house hold cleansers and after three years the tub is as good as new. And a 6'2" guy can completely submerge himself fully stretched out.



I thought those of you who like to push the edge with epoxy and cheap plywood would like to know.

Enjoy the glorious summer.
David

[Phil Y]

We should have a bathroom section! I like it Looks a lot like a modern incarnation of an Aussie outback wash house.

[wizbang 13]

THAT is what I like to see!

[Willin']

I had a wood fired round cedar hot tub back in the '90s that I miss a lot. Unfortunately a planked wooden outdoor tub isn't practical here in Maine, but maybe something like this with a snorkel stove to heat it would work. Thanks for the idea!

[James McMullen]

Cool! My brother made himself a utility sink in much the same way, using 6mm okoume scrap. How did you frame it? With external cleats on the other side?

[beernd]

Birch ply WoW,

I once did a waterproof test a bit of birch ply in a bowl of water, and 20 minutes in the microwave.
The stuff was completely delaminated, the ply layers did'nt even feel sticky anymore.
Did you also epoxy the outside off the tub ?

[chas]

A little flare to those topsides with a dash of tumblehome and you could submerge with less hot water. / Jim

[Bram V]

I was also thinking of replacing my steel tub with epoxy'd wood, you'll have less UV to worry about inside, and you can shape a bath to actually lie in, and not use too much water. As soon as the boat is finished I might look at that.

[DavidF]

Thanks for the kind words. I could have made the tub more water efficient but I was more interested in bullet-proof which meant fewer cuts hence big flat sheets. I cut the panels and epoxied them inside and out with three coats. Then I assembled the tub and put three more coats on the inside. I paid lots of attention to the gussets and the slope for draining. The sides are glued to the frames with PL Premium. The framing looks a bit like boat ribs on the outside, 12-inch centers.

[landlocked sailor]

David, that is really terrific! Since it's only we when you're using it, it ought to outlast you. Kinda like a trailered boat. I'm saving this idea. Rick