A long time ago, I saw a bath tub, a bit oversized, that was made of wood and coated with something like polyurethane. Anybody know a manufacturer of such a thing, or alternatively, have advice on how to build it (watertight)? Thanks, Susan
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I think it's been a long time since you saw a wooden tub is because it's a real bad idea. It would be nice if you didn't have to use it, but I can't see a finish on wood holding up to water and cleansers. I might be wrong though and the wood would be relaxing.
epoxy
epoxy
epoxy
Here's a link to one. http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Product.jhtml?superCatId=24&catId=25&searchText=wood&prodId=3599
If you build it like a barrel, with beveled staves and compression rings on the outside, you won't have to put any kind of finish on it, but you will have to keep it wet enough to prevent shrinkage and leaks.
Susan, this sounds like an inside-out boat. There are lots of wooden boats, and coating with fibreglass/epoxy or fibreglass/polyester (resin) is not uncommon. Other than that, I don't know spcifically about wood bathtubs. I'd like one too, but don't have the $25k for the one posted. For that money you could get a few good canoes with drains...
Have Google will check...
Okay, here are a few things that have shown up on Google and AltaVista (not much):
Selling wooden tubs
http://www.bath-shopping.com/wooden_bathrooms.htm
Description of Japanese bath - skip down to "Taking a Japanese Bath" about 1/3 down the page
http://www.ease.com/~randyj/rjjapan9.htm
Cedar hot tubs
http://www.allseasonshottubs.com/products.html
The trouble with wood (and this may be the difference with the Japanese tubs) is, it swells with moisture, so that if you fill / drain a tub it may not stay tight when empty (Japanese soaking tubs may stay full all the time).
Pioneer types and sailors used to use wood buckets, maybe your local historical society can help, or other historical references. Ther may be some re-enacters around that would have some good info.
I suggest also going to places like the Wooden Boat forum (www.woodenboat.com) and asking around there. The technology would be similar, and in fact someone there may know about wood bathtubs.
All the best
Chris.
Edited 12/22/2002 9:33:49 PM ET by WATEREN
Dinger has the right idea, three layers of epoxy , inside and out.
I f you want to use Polyurethane, determine how long in years you woud like the tub to last and multiply by three.
Put this many coats of poly on. light sanding between each coat!
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!