On Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:49:07 -0700, Gus wrote:

Odd question he

I recently acquired several pieces of chem lab benchtop material
from a Freecycle board, with the idea of using them for --
something.

The question is, what are these slabs made out of? They are
extremely heavy and quite flat.

So far as I can determine, they are made of some sort of resin
material.

Correct, most laboratory work surfaces these days are made of an epoxy
resin mixed with silica (sand) to improve wear. There are basically
two manufacturers of the material in the US, Durcon and Epoxyn,
although these are widely distributed through the various laboratory
casework manufacturers. Sounds like what you've got given your report
of their weight (10+ psf). Black is the standard color although there
are a dozen or so others that are used regularly.

There are non-silica surfaces of pure epoxy (e.g., Trespa brand) that
are a bit lighter in weight. There edges, if unfaced, are often black
despite the face color. They are chemically resistant as well,
although nothing holds up like standard epoxy.


Does anyone know if this material can be cut and shaped with regular
woodworking tools?

Nope. You'll need diamond tools to cut them given the silica content.


Do I need a water-cooled cutoff saw?

Should I throw them in the river?

Start my own chem lab?

Any help greatly appreciated.

I have two adjustable height 60"L x 30"D "Edison" lab tables with
epoxy tops in my shop that are great for glue ups and finishing. Not
only are they strong and super flat, but easily cleaned. Most glues,
paints, and other finishes scrape right off after dried.


--
Steve Hall [ digitect dancingpaper com ]