Nature and Gardening

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All things green, outdoors, and nature-y. Whether it's animals in their natural habitat, hiking trails and mountains, or planting a little garden for yourself (and everything in between), you can talk about it here.

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I carved a rock! (lemmy.one)

submitted 1 year ago by BlueZomby@lemmy.one to c/greenspace@beehaw.org

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I just wanted to share. I'm working on a larger one for a birdbath, so this was practice. But it leaks, and the new one I'm working one has developed a big crack that leaks too. Serious question, will bees wax be a good choice to seal it?

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[–] fleeb@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A 2 part epoxy will do you well. Make sure to clean all edges of the fracture to remove dust and grime, and make sure everything is dry before you start mixing.

I think wax would fall apart in any kind of heat with those forces acting on it. Good luck.

[–] BlueZomby@lemmy.one 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Are there risks of chemicals leaching into the water after it cures? Additionally, am I right in assuming I can sand the epoxy flush after it dries?

[–] plactagonic@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

If you really worry about leaching chemicals you can get food safe epoxy. But I think that most stuff are really safe (boat epoxy) just use something UV stable.

[–] LallyLuckFarm@beehaw.org 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I bet the pollinators really appreciate all those little grooves while getting a drink!

Personally, I think this presents a great opportunity to practice some kintsugi in addition to the rock carving. Beeswax may stop the leak for a while but it will break down over time in addition to having a different expansion rate than the rock. There might be a mortar or concrete blend that would work as well, but you'd be best served calling your local hardscape suppliers to ask around about it. Off the shelf stuff might expand too much while curing, causing more damage.

[–] BlueZomby@lemmy.one 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I had to look up kintsugi. I have some epoxy somewhere around here. I'm sure my wife won't miss some earrings.

[–] LallyLuckFarm@beehaw.org 6 points 1 year ago

😂 "it's better to ask for forgiveness..."

[–] RockyBockySocky@kbin.social 1 points 1 year ago

Don't steal from bees please.

[–] Quexotic@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

There are some great epoxy based solutions in here, but why is it cracking in the first place? Is it frost wedging or something? You may need to seal the surface to prevent it from breaking further.

[–] Quexotic@beehaw.org 1 points 1 year ago

There are some great epoxy based solutions in here, but why is it cracking in the first place? Is it frost wedging or something? You may need to seal the surface to prevent it from breaking further.