John's Alu Profile build

[Evengravy]

Second layer of epoxy has been applied and cured. The heated arrangement I had worked out really well actually and kept the entire thing over 20 degree C for the period. I ended up pouring a total of 14.5KG of resin (I know!) on this and I'm glad it worked out well.

As far as I can measure it's completely level. I actually spotted a small error in the calibration of my Starett 98 machinists level when rotating it 180 degrees in the same exact spot. These can be adjusted at the side reasonably easily and I was able to dial it in after a few tries. All in all, the two stage approach to epoxy was the right choice in concrete for sure.

So today I removed the sides of my form and chamfered any sharp edges of the epoxy by scraping with a stanley razor blade, much like you would using a cabinet scraper on wood. The sides came away really easily and the beeswax did a great job as a mould release.

I'm planning to leave the underside supports in place for now, I'm in no panic to remove them and I'm a little cautious to remove them until I'm sure the top is 100% dry.

Hopefully we won't see any movement of the top over time, time will tell.

I've ordered some bits to start fixing the machine to the top. Plans are pretty simple here: angle iron at each side of the Y rails bolted to the concrete with Hurricane Bolts/Anchors then bolting the profile to the angle with many 6mm bolts.

I'll fill in the remaining details as and when I get to that though.