Deep Pour Epoxy Calculator
Estimate river table and casting epoxy volume, pour depth layers, resin and hardener split, waste allowance, batch count, and exotherm risk from void shape and shop conditions.
⚙Deep Pour Presets
📏Void, Depth, Ratio, and Batch Inputs
🧪Deep Pour Estimate
📊Current Mix Specs
🌊River Table Shape Reference
| Void shape | Calculator approach | Starting fill factor | Best measurement habit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average river channel | Length x average width x depth | 85-95% | Measure width every 6 to 12 in |
| Tapered live edge | Rectangle reduced by edge factor | 70-85% | Average narrow and wide sections |
| Straight trough | Full rectangular volume | 100% | Confirm inside dimensions after sealing |
| Oval or ellipse | Rectangle x 0.785 x depth | 78.5% | Use longest and shortest inside spans |
| Scattered voids | Bounding area x partial factor | 35-65% | Group similar pockets and add counts |
🌡Depth, Heat, and Layer Reference
| Pour condition | Typical depth | Exotherm concern | Planning cue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin river tint | 1/2 to 1 in | Low to medium | Batch size usually controls planning |
| Standard river table | 1 to 2 in | Medium | Stay within rated lift and temperature |
| Extra-deep cast | 2 to 4 in | Medium to high | Use slow casting epoxy only |
| Warm shop pour | Any depth | Higher | Reduce batch size above 78°F |
| Heavy pigment load | Any depth | Higher | Test cure and avoid thick hot masses |
⚖Ratio, Waste, and Batch Table
| System | Common ratio | Waste range | Batch planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep pour clear | 2:1 by volume | 10-20% | Mix staged batches per lift |
| Extra-deep casting | 2:1 by volume | 10-15% | Confirm max mass on data sheet |
| Slow river resin | 3:1 by volume | 15-20% | Allow longer cure before machining |
| Mass casting resin | 100:45 volume | 10-15% | Weigh if the label gives density |
| Tabletop epoxy | 1:1 by volume | 10-15% | Not for deep river lifts |
📋Common Deep Pour Project Sizes
| Project | Typical void dimensions | Shape factor | Depth plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee table river | 42 x 5 x 1.5 in | 85-95% | One to two lifts |
| Dining table river | 84 x 7 x 1.75 in | 80-90% | Two staged lifts if needed |
| Desk live edge void | 60 x 4 x 1.25 in | 65-85% | One slow deep-pour lift |
| Round clock casting | 18 in dia x 1 in | 78.5% | Single controlled mold pour |
| Clustered knots | 24 x 8 x 0.75 in | 35-55% | Small batches with leak checks |
💡Planning Tips
When you are making a river table, you have to calculate the amount of epoxy resin that is going to be required to fill the void in the live-edge wood. Many peoples experience stress when they find themselves out of epoxy resin prior to being able to complete the table pour. This is because they did not have enough epoxy resin to completely fill the void in the wood.
If you understand how to calculate the volume of the void in the live edge wood, you can avoid the stress of running out of epoxy resin prior to completing the pour. The volume of the void in the live edge wood can be difficult to calculate due to the fact that the live edge wood is not generally an perfect rectangle with even edges. Instead of multiplying the length of the live edge wood by the width of the live edge wood and the depth of the epoxy resin pour, you must use a fill factor to account for the fact that the wood is not a perfect shape.
How to Calculate Epoxy Resin Needed for a River Table
Once you have determined the volume of the epoxy resin that you will use, you must also consider the chemical reaction that occurs in the epoxy resin. All epoxy resin chemicals undergoes an exothermic reaction where the epoxy resin itself generates heat as it cures. If you pour a large amount of epoxy resin into the void, the heat generated by the epoxy resin can cause the epoxy resin to bubble, yellow or even crack.
Additionally, the temperature of the workspace where you are pouring the epoxy resin can impact the setting of the epoxy resin; the higher the temperature of the workspace, the more faster the epoxy resin will set and the stronger the exothermic reaction of the epoxy resin. Pouring epoxy resin in shallow layer allows for the heat to escape the epoxy resin faster than if you poured the epoxy resin in deep pours. Deep pours of epoxy resin may require the use of a staged-lift technique where you pour the epoxy resin in layers instead of pouring the entire amount at once.
The staged lifts allow for the heat generated by the epoxy resin to escape prior to adding additional layers of epoxy resin. When adding pigments to epoxy resin, you must be sure to use pigments that will not react negatively to the heat that the epoxy resin generates. Some pigments is heavier than others and may generate more heat than other pigments.
Additionally, you must follow the instructions of the manufacturer regarding the required mix ratio of Part A to Part B of the epoxy resin. Never add extra hardener to epoxy resin as this will lead to the epoxy resin curing incorrect. If epoxy resin sets incorrectly, it may remain sticky or it may not harden at all.
Using the correct ratio of Part A to Part B will ensure proper chemical bonding of the epoxy resin. When calculating the amount of epoxy resin that you will need, you must include waste. Waste of epoxy resin can occur when the epoxy resin sticks to the sides of the mixing buckets in which you mixed the Part A and Part B resin, as well as when the epoxy resin leak from the mold.
Fifteen to twenty percent of the total volume of epoxy resin that you calculated can be used as a waste allowance. By including a waste allowance for epoxy resin, you will ensure that you do not run out of epoxy resin prior to completing your table pour. It is better to have extra epoxy resin then to experience a shortage while epoxy resin is setting and curing.
Thus, by calculating the volume of the void, calculating the temperature of your workspace, and including a waste allowance for epoxy resin, you will be able to successfully and safely complete your epoxy resin pour.
