Pressure Pot

You can usually locate the pressure pot under the large Laguna 18/36 wood lathe referred to in Skedda as Big Bird. Keep in mind that the pressure pot has wheels and may migrate to different areas of the shop.

Please note that the MAXIMUM pressure allowed in the pressure pot is 50psi and the pressure pot is NOT approved for vacuum operations.

Basic Steps for Wood Filling Operation

1. Examine the target wood to ID problem spots.

2. Seal the blank with Tuck Tape leaving one end open - usually the most troubled end grain. The tape on the open end needs to extend at least one inch above the material forming a dam that prevents overflow.

3. Mix epoxy according to manufacturers direction and add color if desired. You are responsible for immediate cleanup of any spilled epoxy. Best practice states that you mix epoxy on a silicon mat and dispose of any unused DIRECTLY to the dumpster. Usually deep pour epoxy is best as it fills narrow gaps and cracks. Note the working time on your epoxy.

4. Place the sealed blank on a disposable paper plate and fill epoxy into the open end. Fill to above the material to account for voids in the material then wait a minute for epoxy to sink in to the material adding more epoxy if needed.

5. Place material and the paper plate in the pressure pot and close all four clamps to seal the pot. Do not over tighten the clamps but make sure you have equal clamping force across all four clamps.

6. Connect shop air to the pot and open the fill valve (red handle to the vertical position) charging to 50psi. DO NOT USE MORE THAN 50psi.

7. Close the fill valve (red handle to the horizontal position) and disconnect shop air.

8. (Optional) If your epoxy has enough working time you can let the pot sit under pressure for five to ten minutes then slowly release pressure (red handle to the vertical position), open pot when pressure is fully released and remove the lid. If you see that you need more epoxy you can add more. Repeat steps 6 and 7.

9. Carefully move the pot to a safe location under the large lathe or a glue up table.

10. Add a glue up tag to the pot and let sit undisturbed for a full 24 hours then slowly release pressure (red handle to the vertical position) and open the pot. Remove your filled material and the paper plate.

Please Note: Your epoxy may take longer than 24 hours to fully cure before you can further process the filled material. Please refer to the instructions that came with your epoxy.

When finished remove any spilled epoxy and close the lid. Return the pressure pot to under the Laguna 18/36 wood lathe.

Maintenance

This tool is owned by Asmbly Makerspace for the use of its members. Please contact the workshop committee if maintenance is required.