Turning termite nests

This bowl is about 12 inches in dia and turned out of a termite nest stabilized with fiberglass resin. Thousands of those little white beasts encased as if in amber.More experiments to come. It looks like marble.

Photo Details

Jim King

Registered: September 2006
Posts: 34

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Date: Sat October 7, 2006
Views: 1,264
Keywords: turning termite nests

Comments

zugunru

LOL, that's awesome!

What on Earth made you think to try turning a termite nest? Is the fiberglass resin something sold commonly retail, or is it a speciaty item you have access to?

#1 Sat October 7, 2006 4:09pm

Jim King

It just seemed like a good idea at the time. They really turn out nice, a very elegant granite type look, Cant you just imagine sellig termite crap salad bowls. What do you think a food safe finish would be? You should be able to buy things better than fiberglass resin but it is readilyavailable in body shops and boat stores. We use it because it is all we can find.

#2 Sat October 7, 2006 5:42pm

Jim, we're a bit short on termite mounds up here. Do ya have a few extra you can ship up? Smile

That's a very inventive/original thing to do, Jim, not to mention rather pretty.

#3 Sat October 7, 2006 11:43pm

Rev. Doug Miller

Rev. Doug Miller

We have plenty of fiberglass resin available. It's called bondo and is available at any auto parts store. A better product is casting resin. Basically the same thing, but is formulated for the hobbyist or crafter in mind. I've picked it up at several hobby shops.

BTW, Jim you did a great job with this. Looks great. 8)

#4 Sun October 8, 2006 4:37am

Junior Adams

Hey Rev, Bondo and fiberglass resin aren't the same thing. the company "BONDO" makes a fiberglass resin... but actual bondo is something totally different.

anyone interested in trying this might consider a fiberglass repair kit. it comes with resin, hardener, and a small sheet of fiberglass. the resin and hardener are fairly expensive when purchased in large quantities, and you can get a repair kit for about $15.

#5 Sun October 8, 2006 7:50am

Glenn

OK, NOW I have seen everything. Nice job. Looks very cool. Its good to see something usefull being done with termite nests.

#6 Mon October 9, 2006 4:46am