A NEON sign made of EPOXY...Did it work?

DiResta Brass Hammer: jimmydiresta.c...
In this video I make a fake neon sign using epoxy! follow along and see how I did it! thank you to Total Boat
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[@HeartPumper]

Well, and here it is. An anatomy of the creative process. By an artist & master in his art :) There're no good and wrong choices at the beginning, but evaluation of every previous steps & iterations of the final object. I love it!!!

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@dnngskn62]

I love what you concoct in your mind then make with your hands for us to see as you explain the journey.

[@aaroncashion7570]

Nothing that I love more than Jimmy experimenting. Fantastic brother!

[@BMSculptures]

loved watching this process and listening to you problem solve along the way.

[@richardcorwin1828]

I'm too old to explore but I very much enjoy watching you Jimmy. Thank you for sharing.

[@ghostshadow1]

I've done a similar one as the first design but with "EL-Wire" instead of LEDs and it's a pretty convincing effect. I used a V groove bit with the router and put the wire into the groove. I've also frosted the routed groove one one and it looked pretty decent as well. The EL wire is a constant light all the way through end-to-end. It's wired similarly to LED strips but without the gaps between the diodes.

[@d6u4]

I've used xylene and toluene as acrylic glue and both work incredibly well.

[@jaypeeters]

The narrative in this one made me think of the videos from the old bassement shop in NY, I enjoyed it! Have you considered adding another removable panel to the back? In case of led failure and potential repairability. By painting it black I would imagine you could get away with it. Just a thought.

[@mattkent655]

I love how you never come off claiming to be an authority. You can do some stuff and you have your intuition and experience to help you, but you're always learning and able to admit when you missed the mark. But that's learning. Stay awesome

[@bigclivedotcom]

I'm wary of potting LED strip in resin, as they are not as reliable as the hype, and it's good to build in serviceability. I do like the push-in diffuser strip though. It has an air gap to help with spreading the light. The LED strip often fails at the factory soldered joints every 500mm. You can bridge those with some super-fine wire.

[@Zachariah_Haske]

hey Clive

[@RonKillian]

I was thinking the same, the LED's go bad the sign is bad. Where do you find the push in diffusers? I've been looking for some time, not many places to get them.

[@RoderickStringer]

Like every video you put up on KZbin it's very entertaining and educational and skillful done. Your big fan Rod.

[@Steelcrafted]

That looks beautiful!!! Dang, I like that more than a REAL neon!!

[@centerededgedesignusa7957]

An advantage to this technique is color control, too! And effects you could incorporate into epoxy that you can't do with Neon. Thanks for sharing, this was a cool project to learn with your experience!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film and lesson. Always Iterate. Mahalo for sharing! 🙂❤️🙏

[@AGlimpseInside]

“Looks good on camera, but up close doesn’t look great” sounds like your average Instagram model 😏

[@splinters_66]

Awesome job, best way to learn is by doing, very satisfying when you discover better methods during the making process.

[@joses440]

Jimmy, when using silicon with LEDs it is a good idea to use neutral cure silicon instead of acetic cure. The fumes of the acetic one might harm the phosphorus on the top of the LED chips. Of course, it only matters if you are too concerned about minimum colour changes in the LEDs.

[@nicklebeezy]

Thank you Jimmy ❤

[@tfildaed]

Something to keep in mind popped up in mine at the beginning of the vid; you mention how somethings don't look as good up close. Unless one just appreciated neon design for the effort and art involved, its not particularly attractive up close or in the daylight; its definitely a nighttime and distance art form. Your work is awesome Jimmy!!

[@_zzpza]

Thank you for the insight into your process, it's fascinating. The sign looks awesome too. :)

[@davebauerart]

Great example of the design and problem solving process.

[@jakobmorningstar]

If you were able to do a clear frosted look on the letters and the outside ring it’d be cool to have color changing LED’s that cycle through their colors

[@titaniumtaxi8637]

Jimmy is my Hero! 🎉

[@RDSWOODWORKING]

It looks nice Jimmy

[@jeremyspecce]

Very cool going through the whole process with you. This has given me some ideas that might work to accomplish a similar result.

[@zeroy]

I straight away thought of using cob led lights but sounds like your patreons also thought of it 😅, great result all things considered! I suppose rope diffuse led is as close a neon you will get but you won't get freedom of CNC or laser cut shapes like here

[@jamescole1786]

2/18/24..making..I MAKE..plastic (neon) Resin sign..kinda confusing but I think you are not done teaching us 'how to'..humm..is their a DIRESTA Sign Making kit in our future? Big, med & small..square footage of each TBD..2 color, 3. 4..? Yup, another revenue stream? So give us an update on your 'country house' (across from cemetery) & that new leather studio upstairs in the 'pole' barn. Always enjoy your work in those very well equipped shops you have..A+ Jimmy!👍⚙️🔧🎨🛠🍷😊

[@OriginalRaveParty]

Magnificent looking 👍🏼

[@OakHillMillworks]

Great video, Jimmy. Definitely look into acrylic that comes already backed with 3M adhesive film backing. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@jordansnyder9650]

Enjoy watching the experimentation. Cool sign ideas too!

[@Stakman1]

I love this! Very cool!

[@Slikx666]

That looks really good on a screen, it must look 10 times better in real life. 😀👍

[@tomschwab3111]

Jimmy, you should try el wire instead of leds. Should be way easier.

[@hossfly4820]

Something reminiscent watching ol Jimbo. Reminds me of days gone by.

[@alphonseroy421]

Awesome job man !!

[@ATG19534]

I wonder if it would work to create a box, solid letter-color plex for the back, black with cutout letters for the front. Inside he LED strips would line the perimeter facing the center. Then fill the interior with clear epoxy, encasing the LEDs and conducting the light.

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Great experiment - thanks for sharing and thumbs up.

[@LanceMcCarthy]

Different & better is the goal... well said. That's what makes the difference between a 'jack of all trades' and a 'master of all trades'.

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

Hey jimmy, I have been playing around with segments bowls on my lathe. Just learning as I go ! I am following your advice! Experiment is the name of the game!👍👍👍Regards Bob Lee

[@1steelwheel1999]

enjoyed watching this journey

[@PROJECT-DAEDALUS]

17:40 Of course we watch this far!... And all the way to the end 👍🙂🖖 Greetings from Belgium ⬛🟨🟥

[@timalbrecht2311]

Awesome job. I love your way of learning and working through processes. Question where did you get the two-part Neon?

[@jayjohnson3724]

I think this was more difficult, than actually making it in glass. You go from 2 dimension to to three, Glass is already 3. You rock, by the way.

[@nhercb23]

For me I rather suggest to use PCB board at the back of the acrylic you can directly solder the LED no wiring clean look!

[@makeitkozi]

“Shake it ‘til you Make it!” Sounds like a good neon sign for the red light district! Next build? 🤔

[@RicardoJunqueira]

Heya Jimmy. Since you used resin to fill this sign, what are the benefits of encasing the LED strip? Couldn't all of this be done and be sandwiched with a back layer where the LEDs would be and could be swapped if needed?

[@CzKaa]

Why to use oldies - LED strip with many separated LED chips? When new strip type with continuous filament/cob exists? And usually is named "Neon LED strip". :)

[@tlheingrunst]

Looks great, Jimmy! I have 1 question: Doesn't neon tubes of the same color connect with one another, If so, would it have made it easier for you to run the led strip lights in one continuous run? Justst a thought for future applications.

[@lindacsmith13]

very cool

[@xMIDNIGHTBLURx]

The red and yellow makes me think McDonalds but it does look good

[@BZ1340]

Should of used the bendable Led tape that is available

[@jasonbuckler190]

Not sure if you mean "meniscus", which is what i no longer have in my right knee as i had to have it replaced due to having destroyed my natural meniscus - which is cartilage. Possibility you ment a similar word but not quite?

[@pecantreedesign]

Those thin walls you added near the end really makes it look like neon tubes, happy accident

[@bobweiram6321]

Why not use hollow plexiglass tubes with LEDs inside?

[@thesledgehammerblog]

The results are nice, but it feels like some of the experimentation would be best done in small scale, especially given the cost of the resin involved.

[@fededelgado7236]

Impresionante, como siempre

[@robdean54]

just curious, is this any special led strips? or just normal?

[@Deadly-Defense]

"We win or we learn, we never lose"

[@BoredOldFart]

now it just needs the neon hum sound effect... nice work sir

[@owenandlibbygower8471]

To make it look more like a ‘real’ neon sign you need at least one of the letters to not be lit up!

[@1pcfred]

Jimmy has to go meet Doc Neon. Make real neon signs.

[@jimmydiresta]

I did real neon in the 80s

[@morgancalvi6675]

To me, CNCs do not show creativity. Wouldn't a more translucent color show the LED lights better?

[@Poppy_love59]

I don't consider you a maker, although I understand your penchant for making things. Instead I consider you an artist. I paint and sculpt myself. So I'm neither a Painter nor a Sculptor but rather I'm an artist. People who are creative in more than one endeavor are artists !

[@ventiladordesuco]

*polymaths

[@user-et9wj9jy5b]

Don’t you think artists is just a broad term? I hear comedians calling themselves artists.

[@HGD70]

I don’t think maker and artist are mutually exclusive

[@davebauerart]

Maker, artist, or creative weirdo it’s about curiosity and problem solving.

[@Mrjohndoe280]

Maker > Artist.

[@schmerzdj5719]

Look into el wire instead of led strip's.... you don't have the hotspots that u need to difuse like an led strip

[@JohnBare747]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@208redviking5]

Jimmy- the commentary in this video gives a much deeper insight to the years of your videos I’ve watched and your amazing thought process and learning as you Make. We don’t get the hours of behind the scenes work and thought and mistakes made that go into your projects. I respect your humble confessions of mistakes and errors- we as consumers are quick to criticize if it isn’t perfection on the first go, and take that all for granted 👍🏻 you sir, are a mad genius. The first video that hooked me years ago was the Styrene box you made for the folding wooden ruler back in the underground shop in NYC.

[@jimmydiresta]

Thank you! going forward I’ll do this more frequently

[@tomasbelen6371]

I really like your content. You are always challenging yourself. Just a tip for bonding acrylic. If you have a hot press you can put isopropanol between the two sheets and press them at 60°C for about 10-15 minutes. It sticks and doesn't have the "melting" look of that glue.

[@TheNewJankyWorkshop]

That's fantastic to know... one more reason to buy a hot press (other than for vinyl, because my crappy "shop iron" just can't get it right)!

[@BigLousWorkshop]

I love the videos that you do when you show processes on how you get to an end result … the learning curve of this sign and also your casting of the bell a few episodes back is always really cool to see.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I agree with Big L

[@peterbrownwastaken]

I've never seen this before. A really cool effect Jimmy!

[@jphanks]

I love this! Since it's resin, maybe Re-on? 😂

[@TheGeekBarn]

In modelmaking we would backspray the acrylic and attach layers with double sided tape, especially if it’s not something subject to particular stress. This way the top surface remains gloss and clean. Or, if it needs to stay transparent, we lasercut a gasket in thin acrylic, 2-3mm wide and flood it with the acrylic cement so any bubble or splat is confined to that very small edge. Your final result looks very good, well done!

[@861LJ]

Trial and error. That's how we learn. Persistence helps. I'm sure there were some frustrating moments (broken solder joints) but you take a deep breath and just soldier on.😊 The sign definitely has '50's vibes! That feeling when it all comes together after all the hard work and you proudly think to yourself "I made that!"😊

[@tombrenes2411]

At first glance I thought it was plexiglass glass routered letters and LEDs Very low tech anyone tried this ? Jimmy love the sign Awesome content Love all the hard work

[@cocotoni1977]

You could've tried it with EL wire -- it's much more like neon as it does not have separate point litght sources like LED strips do. You just have to take care not to bend it too tightly, but with such a big sign I don't think it would've been the problem.

[@rowanclark4759]

i used to use LED strip for theatre sets for theatre sets, but yes COB lighting strip ellimates a lot of the hot spotting. I always love your videos keep up the great work

[@joesneon]

Jimmy, I am a neon glass bender in Albany N.Y. Snyder neon signs. If you would like to visit that would be fun!!!

[@jimmydiresta]

I should come see!! [e-mail]

[@nickzammeti]

awesome dude

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Yimmi fai più luce te che l insegna 🪧 sei un fenomeno Speciale un😵‍💫👌🔥

[@mikekollross8810]

I like the quote "We win or we learn, we never lose" I do a lot of industrial type sewing and in the past I would be disappointed in myself when I made a mistake. I would throw the mistake on my failure pile. Now I call it my learning pile. And that small shift in thinking has been huge in my learning journey. "The first one takes you to school" - Diresta :)

[@roberts1938]

Try this way: Do not place the LEDs upwards, this is difficult because the tape with LEDs is not very flexible sideways. Try cutting a deeper groove and placing the LED strip sideways - towards the center of the letter. Then it is very easy to arrange (but the groove must be cut deeper). This is how you illuminate the letters - so the letters must be transparent and the rest can be painted over.

[@jimmydiresta]

Good idea

[@swp466]

Another tip for adhering layers of acrylic: I use 3M 9576 tape. It's a clear, very thin double sided tape. I use it in 2" wide rolls. On your acrylic, peel the protective paper from the back side, then cover the acrylic (at least where you're going to cut) with the tape, edge to edge. Cut your parts as usual and when you're done, the back of your part will have a clear adhesive surface. Just peel the tape liner and apply.

[@MikeCheung1]

That’s what we do. Buy 24” wide rolls and back the whole acrylic before laser. Fast and strong if not worried about getting crystal clear panels.

[@swp466]

@@MikeCheung1 Man, that 24" wide roll must cost a fortune.

[@bcbloc02]

The more you know. the more you always realize you still don't know. I always admire how you aren't afraid to take off just doing stuff.

[@Maclikeschicken]

Hey jimmy Thanks for the tips on working with cardboard those tips are going to be very useful with our groups project!

[@warrenwerks]

This is why I love you Jimmy, will I ever make faux neon? Maybe, maybe not. But your process and explanation of learning a new skill set is inspiring and will definitely be used in many of my projects in the future

[@PiazzaWoodWorks]

You went to school on this one ! I bet the next one will be even better! This looks sharp tho man👍 But I know the feeling, as creators, your’e never content, and can always improve, it’s good for the brain. Keeps us humble and keeps us wanting more! Much love🙏

[@corinkayaker]

You are a freaking legend GREAT WORK (but also still da butcha!)

[@chickfamilyink]

I Love being a Patreon subscriber because I get some context before I watch the video. Well done Jimmy

[@rdgk1se3019]

Wow, that really looks good...........I wouldn't call that "Fake Neon"...........maybe "New Age LED".

[@messylaura]

its given me a great idea for my coat of arms looks great jimmy

[@TotalBoat]

Love everything about this video!!

[@chrisdubois641]

This a great process video Jimmy. -What Type of headphones are you wearing? I need new PPE audio earbuds recommendations...

[@daveschroedersworkshop4479]

Nice work Jimmy! I'm sure you though of it but would it be possible to make the sign with hollow passages and actually feed neon into them? Just a thought. I love your work! Obviously you do too! Be Safe!

[@remzgroup]

Making everything a bit better, DirNeon's best Epoxy sign! Really nice work. Go to school one the first one is my new motto. Thank you.

[@graficafoto7917]

Great lessons as usual my dear, i´m sorry about your Dad, great Dad`s tip video by the way, and where´s your Rolex!?????, hug from Buin, Chile, @woodmanndesign

[@HoaPhanThi-ib4jv]

Bạn có muốn qua Việt Nam chơi không bạn mình muốn mời bạn sang Việt Nam chơi

[@edtsch]

Thanks for showing us your process, Jimmy! I would love to know which LED strip your patrons recommended, and which system you used at first with the rubber top.

[@stephengagnon4714]

Jimmy I'm just a poor woodworker to afford those machines, but I enjoy watching your channel.

[@notanimposter]

Very cool to see the process! It’d be great to see a video with you learning a new technique and then the technique streamlined and “perfected” with all the experience from the first one.

[@PuchMaxi]

@7:20 The power supply would be 12V, since you are using 12V LEDs.

[@ianvolker2751]

You should try using COB led strips! No hot spots! Just a perfect line of light! I'll never go back to traditional led strips!