This Year I have been learning some new ways to use cement and I have been exposed to some new materials.
The first new thing I have been doing is replacing steel with basalt fiber. The second new thing is I have been using a foam machine to make lightweight cement cores (thus replacing the stucco lath and rebar frames I used to use). Sudaglass is my source for fiber.
The foam machine
after having been brought back from the dead. I rewired it and installed a
solenoid valve for the air connection to replace the frozen compressor head
it had. The machine combines water, surfactant and air to make a thick foam,
which is mixed into cement. Thanks to Jesse Thomas for getting me going with
this. For more work with the lightweight cement click
here
This is the worm form wrapped in basalt fiber mesh. The form for this sculpture was made of dirt rolled in coconut fiber mesh tied with jute string.
lightweight cement pieces assembled into the cores for the train bench.
parts for the train project beginning to come out of the molds
The trucks are made of concrete cast in rubber molds.
Molds for the lightweight panels on the floor of the shop
Slicking the final coat of the worm. I have also begun using Xypex type waterproofing admix, which also improves the consistency and retards the set - nice for hot weather.
Tracks on site with trucks and bench bottoms
Locomotive cores wrapped with the basalt fiber mesh
Locomotive nearly complete
