New Owner, ...project question

[mackmack]

Picked up my BT3100 at HD last week. I got it for 249.99 plus a $35 mail in gift card. One of the main reasons I purchased it was from the enthusiasm you guys have shown for it on these forums. I bought a Dewalt blade as well and the thing cuts like butter.

Anyways, my question. I am trying to build a small table top indoor fountain(long story). First, do you guys think a rabbet joint is enough to form the corners of the base(which is a cube like basin of sorts)?....probably holding 8-10 cups of water max, not much pressure.

Secondly, I am using plywood that I intend to paint but I need to ultimately waterproof this thing so that it can hold water. I was thinking about putting a laminate plastic sheet on the inside, the same used in man made ponds, but I would much rather it be just the painted wood as plastic on wood isn't very attractive.

What would I use to seal this thing water tight AFTER the paint has gone on? I was thinking deck sealers wouldn't be good enough and the tint would mess up my paint job. I need something clear that would finish off nice to allow the paint to show through.

I appreciate any help I can get...and its good to be here!

[gsmittle]

Perhaps a clear expoy or two-part bar varnish????

Other than that, I got nuthin'

g.

[smc331]

Try a liner instead of waterproofing...

I made one last summer using a black utility tub as a liner - the "box" for the fountain was built with a lip to hide the liner, and no bottom so that the box just slipped over the top of the tub. You might try something like a litter box or a black seed starter tray for a liner. Much less headache than trying to waterproof the wood. I had pictures posted before the big BT3Central database crash - if you're interested I'll try to dig them up for you.

[mackmack]

Sounds good

Scott,

I appreciate the reply. That sounds like a pretty good idea and my best option. That solves the basin problem, but what about the water that is constantly being splashed on the lip or other parts? Was your basin so large that none of the water splashed onto the wood, or perhaps the pump not so powerful as to just allow a trickle?

Reason I ask is because I'd like to keep mine pretty compact... roughly speaking I'd like to spec the basin at 10"x10".

Would an epoxy sealer be good enough for the parts that are getting splashed a bit(lip)?

If you have pics of your fountain still I would really be interested in seeing them. You can shoot them over to bernyfang@gmail.com. If they are buried somewhere its not big deal, don't go out of your way.

Thanks for making me feel welcome.

[John Hunter]

Here is a finish that will do the trick http://www.eti-usa.com/consum/envtex/envlite.htm

[drumpriest]

I would suggest using tightbond 3 or some other waterproof glue as well when putting it together.