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I started making these DIY Concrete Dragon Scale Pavers back in 2014. I 3d printed the pavers and then made a silicone mold. Link to the silicone rubber product I used: http://amzn.to/2iF3N8Q the mold is reusable and easy to clean. We made about 1-2 batches a pavers a week over the last few years. It only takes about 15 minutes to make a batch. I used combinations of Quikrete Countertop Mix in both White and Grey along with Quikrete 5000 to make these pavers. If you want to have greater color differential try the Quikrete liquid cement color. Here is a video I did on coloring concrete: https://youtu.be/t1PRbMA9koM
I printed these pavers in 2014 with a Makerbot 3d printer. I did not have a great experience with makerbots and now I use Robo 3D printers which work better for me and are way cheaper: http://amzn.to/2y9atTK
If you don’t have a 3d printer you can use modeling clay or make wooden proto types to make the silicone molds. Here is the modeling clay I used: http://amzn.to/2hfPJ22
I modeled these in FormZ but now use Autodesk fusion which is better and FREE to download! Here is a link: https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/overview?mktvar002=724861&mkwid=sOICwxb1H|pcrid|226118724187|pkw|autodesk%20fusion%20360|pmt|e|pdv|c||&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=GGL_FUSION360_US_BR_SEM_EXACT%3EBrand&utm_term=autodesk%20fusion%20360&utm_content=sOICwxb1H|pcrid|226118724187|pkw|autodesk%20fusion%20360|pmt|e|pdv|c|pid||&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIw9ic74GR1wIVDoZpCh3Rvw0mEAAYASAAEgJrkPD_BwE
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you can download 3d modeling software for free. many local libraries and maker spaces have 3d printers. Link to the silicone rubber product I used: http://amzn.to/2iF3N8Q the mold is reusable and easy to clean. We made about 1-2 batches a pavers a week over the last few years. It only takes about 15 minutes to make a batch. I used combinations of Quikrete Countertop Mix in both White and Grey along with Quikrete 5000 to make these pavers. If you want to have greater color differential try the Quikrete liquid cement color. Here is a video I did on coloring concrete: https://youtu.be/t1PRbMA9koM
This is so cool!
Did you consider making some edge pavers that smooth out the outside edge? You could make a left and right version.
this should be renamed fish scale paves
When doing the handmade version, you could always use your initial mold as a “waste mold” to pour urethane resin into. Doing that you can make multiple mold masters to the mold together.
It’s not diy of you don’t have a 3D printer 🙄
Can you sell the molding for people who don’t have 3D printer?
🤔 thanx to the “complainers” for making the pavers accessible to the “vast majority” 🤣👍🏼
18 years later….. we have a path!!! 😜😜😜
a compass with a pencil could easily lay out the basic design on some MDF. cut it out with a jigsaw. smooth out the cuts and round over the edges with a sander. spray it with some krylon plastic type paint to help with mold release. repeat as required to have enough to form your mold. follow through with the rest of process
ya ya I know it uses a pencil so this method isn't a DIY project either really 🙂 🙂 🙂
pretty cool concept – thanks for the video!
If I did this (because ughhhhh I don't haaaaave a 3d printerrrrrr), I would probably make a dozen or so using the single paver mold, then use those as positives for a much larger mold. That way, I could do larger batches. Just an idea
I'm very conscious about the edges of my path. I have a doberman that would run haphazardly around the backyard and slice open his paws on the edges…..or push them out of alignment. Therefore a pattern that locks them in or a frame around the edge is necessary.
Amazing Ben! I've been waiting for this video to come out ever since I saw it on your Instagram. It came out great! How many pavers did you end up making in total? The dedication and patience involved for this project make it that much better. Congrats on an awesome video! Best Kevin
Love this project, probably my favorite concrete project I've seen of yours. Do you want to leave the edges ragged and organic or could you make custom edge tiles?
Project time 2.5 years
I work in landscaping, my career is creating brick paver pathways and patios. You should never put pavers on straight up ground. You should always dig down 4 inches, and use gravel. Then pack the shit out of it, level it with a level and then use finishing sand and level that as well. The way you did it makes a lumpy, uneven surface and in a few years it will have gaps and will be unpleasant to walk on.
Nice project Ben! Thanks for sharing the video.👍 😊 JP
Muy bueno!!!
I absolutely love the way these look!!
You always do such a great job! 👍❤
Realy great pattern 🙂 Great job again!
I love the look of those. That's a great way to make something truly unique to you.
Looks beautiful!
I just got unto the Modern Maker Podcast, soo good. Been binge listening to work, at work, from work
someone know how to remove a glass bottle of water from concrete?
Could you use 3D silicon molds for ice for this? I'd love to do little smooth skulls.