DIY Fake Wood (for cheapskates)

[easternnewt]

This is genius. Unfortunately, I don't think I would be able to get ahold of a torch, otherwise I would definitely make a couple of hollow logs. Thanks for the simple, informative DIY guide. Hopefully I'll be able to use it in the future...

 

[Nathan]

You can get a little torch for about $20 at a home center. I'm definitely going to try this, thanks for posting it Johnny!

 

[Jennewt]

I think the gray and black PVC look great, I wouldn't even bother with paint! These are super, Johnny!

 

[SludgeMunkey]

You can get a little torch for about $20 at a home center. I'm definitely going to try this, thanks for posting it Johnny!

One of those industrial heat guns (like a super overpowered hair dryer) used for stripping paint works well too, for those of you that would prefer not to work with open flame.

 

[Greewok]

Johnny,

Have your tried to heatroll the pipe out into a sheet? I am thinking you can "weld" sheets together to make a pretty snazzy aquarium background.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

I skipped the heat rolling and tried it out with a sheet of PVC...it works!
Pipe is easy to get and cheap, sheets are a bit harder to find (and pricier).
I think for simplicity's sake, I will stick to cork bark and acrylic fortified concrete for backgrounds though.

 

[CaveDweller]

So Cool! I wish I could do that, but sadly I am not that artistic. Personally, I think you should start selling these puppies!! I would pay for them!!

 

[Greatwtehunter]

So Cool! I wish I could do that, but sadly I am not that artistic. Personally, I think you should start selling these puppies!! I would pay for them!!

He does!
http://www.caudata.org/forum/advert...ilable-seen-do-yourself-fake-wood-thread.html

 

[JP100]

Hi
I saw this and it was such a great idea I had to try it.
I got some pipe about 3 inch diameter and ground away it turned out pretty good I thought for a first try only one problem is that it floats? You said that yours does not float am I doing something wrong? Anything would help
Thanks Joe

 

[Mac Myers]

If it's PVC Pipe it doesn't float. What do you have? :happy:

 

[axokyle]

Thats a fantastic idea, i have just bought 2 metres of piping aswell so might get busy and try afew like this!

 

[JP100]

I am using black PVC pipe. Im pretty sure its PVC. We use it on the farm for irrigation and storm water.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

If it floats, it is definitely not PVC. Most likely it is low density PET or the like.

I would solve the floating problem by gluing a few rocks to it around the bottom.

 

[ted22]

Impressive bits of pipe you got there! I want one for Gomez!

 

[deliriah]

Absolutely inspiring! I have a dremmel, and an industrial heat gun! Guess I just need the PVC pipe and I'm ready to roll! I love my dremmel, and I'm always looking for new uses for it. Thanks for the awesome idea! Yours look great. I will also send you an email because I would love an original "SludgeMunkey" piece or two in my collection.

 

[fire_newt]

You're a genius, and I'v officially made you my new hero! you wouldn't happen to be selling these would you?

 

[Minniechild]

Hi Johnny!
Quick question: what acrylics are safe to use? I've started with umber, white and black, but if safe, i'd like to add into that some red and yellow oxide to create a bit more depth in some of the areas
(oh, and used some 1inch diameter to make some (unpainted) hides for the juvies- they LOVE THEM!! So thanks soo much for posting this!!)

 

[Nathan]

Hi
I saw this and it was such a great idea I had to try it.
I got some pipe about 3 inch diameter and ground away it turned out pretty good I thought for a first try only one problem is that it floats? You said that yours does not float am I doing something wrong? Anything would help
Thanks Joe

A lot of larger diameter schedule-40 PVC pipe is cell-core (solid PVC inside and outside veneered around a foam middle layer) and is buoyant. Schedule-80 should always be solid.

Caitie- avoid cadmium reds and yellows. Iron based ones should be fine.

 

[MrsMeach]

They are amazing. Are they smooth enough for the gills of an axolotl?? If so have you considered selling them. I do not have the skill and I cannot find anything I like in the stores for less that 30.00. So please let me know if you want to sell a couple.

Miki

 

[Balutan]

UPDATE!

Here are some more pieces. These are made from 6 inch pipe, carved and heat-warped. This time the PVC is black rather than gray, but it still works great! I also coated these with a spray on epoxy sealer that has "sand" in it. This adds additional texture to the "wood".

Here is the same pieces with the first couple of coats of paint:

Your skills are impressive!