Recipie for self leveling concrete?
Recipie for self leveling concrete?
(OP)
Hello,
I would like to build a router table top out of self leveling concrete. Is it simply a matter of using plain ordinary cement and thinning it down the required consistency to pour? Also, to make a table say 4 foot square and 1.5 inches thick (I need it heavy) should I cast the main slab with rod mesh reinforcement and aggregate etc, let it set and then pour the ‘self leveling’ mix on top? Or can pour the mix that deep with only the mesh for reinforcement?
And yes, I know there may be better materials, Im looking into epoxy etc but concrete has other advantages for my application.
Thanks, Shae.
I would like to build a router table top out of self leveling concrete. Is it simply a matter of using plain ordinary cement and thinning it down the required consistency to pour? Also, to make a table say 4 foot square and 1.5 inches thick (I need it heavy) should I cast the main slab with rod mesh reinforcement and aggregate etc, let it set and then pour the ‘self leveling’ mix on top? Or can pour the mix that deep with only the mesh for reinforcement?
And yes, I know there may be better materials, Im looking into epoxy etc but concrete has other advantages for my application.
Thanks, Shae.





RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
Assuming that you could make concrete self- leveling and strong, it would still be abrasive, which does not seem like an optimal surface for a router table.
How about a nice strong concrete slab, and 1/4" of self- leveling epoxy (it's sold for flooring) on top?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
yep thats pretty much what I had in mind untill I thought about self levelling concrete and hoped I could eliminate the epoxy. I think you're right about the dust factor too.
FoMoCoMoFo <-- Funny!
....nice simple solution, now why didnt I think of that.
Done a little more research and found self levelling concrete products from Ardex and Gypcrete ready to go. Unfortunately Im on the other side of the globe. Any idea if one can 'DIY' a mixture that?? Come in very handy.
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
Note on the self levelig epoxies - I have used those and they are tricky to get right and can be somewhat messy - not as easy to use as I thought.
Good Luck
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
Cure well for handling strength. I assume you will have to move it and turn it over, so some temporary stiffening will be necessary since the slab will weigh over 300# (~ 150 kg).
When in place you can grind, polish and seal the surface as desired.
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
It is done internationally for many types of applications ranging from from kitchen countertops, chemical laboratories, testing laboratories to industrial applications.
Often the surfaces are ground, filled (for voids), reground, refilled (for pore voids) and then polished with several different grits.
If you want stability and accuracy levelers are not adequate. the 1.5" thickness makes it somewhat difficult.
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
http://selfconsolidatingconcrete.org/
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
A smaller area would still require final finishing to acheive the desired properties and tolerences.
Dick
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
RE: Recipie for self leveling concrete?
Get help to flip it and you are done.
However, you will probably hate your first attempt.
For what you are doing, it won't be too expensive to do a trial and a final product.
Good luck.
I've known lots of folks who have made beautiful cast concrete counters and tables. The hardest part is getting the smooth finish by selecting an appropriate form material.
Daniel