Wouldn't you know it: we're making new wood mold frames for our paving slab molds.

Submitted by geoffrey on Fri, 15/03/2013 - 12:53
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Paving slab production at the CVBT generates good income for Abe and Aew and their family as well as the Center and their distributors.  Since initial contributions of paving slab molds from the British Embassy and the New Zealand Embassy, the working capital fun has sustained itself for 20 years including replacing worn Armcon polypropylene molds.  Lately We have been working hard to make new wood mold frames to support the plastic molds.  The villagers and technical staff have worked hard to design a frame that is vibrate-able (so the concrete can be vibrated in the plastic mold in the wooden frame), strong (so the slabs do not come out with a curved top), light weight (so the villagers don't have to lift too much), and water proof (so they'll endure humidity and the washing involved in making exposed aggregate slabs).  This is a challenge.  We had to find a source for kiln-dried softwood in Thailand.  We had to find water resistant plywood and waterproof glue.  We are happy to find a water-based water proof finish that doesn't use harmful solvents.  Every day now Louie and Yod are busy sanding and nailing and gluing and painting.  It's a big job but its needed to make a good durable wooden mold frame.  Here are some photos of our staff at work including Tim Miller, a recent intern.

Tim checking Noy's sanding

Tim checking Noy's sanding

Louie setting up the mold frame jig.

Louie setting up the mold frame jig.
Yod refinishing old wood mold frames. Yod refinishing old wood mold frames.
Noy, Louie and Tim with the jig ready for use. Noy, Louie and Tim with the jig ready for use.