He Bought A Huge Block Of Salt And Made Something Beautiful With It

This is Himalayan rock salt.

Instructables / kludge77

While most people use the beautifully colored salt slabs to cook with, YouTuber, creator, and all-around DIYer Peter Brown wanted to try something a little different.

Even though he was well aware that working with rock salt can corrode and rust power tools, Brown was determined to make a lamp with the stuff. When you see the incredible results, though, you’ll know that the risk is well worth the reward.

First, he cut the huge slab into two four-inch squares using a bandsaw.

Instructables / kludge77

This should be done carefully, as the salt cracks easily.

Using a table saw, Brown cut a piece of bloodwood into the same size.

Instructables / kludge77

Unlike other redwoods, bloodwood keeps its unique color long after being exposed to UV rays.

Then it was time to make space for the light. Brown employed a huge drill bit and cut into the bloodwood.

Instructables / kludge77

He did the same thing to the salt — this gets messy, so you should wear a mask.

Instructables / kludge77

The salt also gets very hot, so be careful when handling it!

This is a fun thing that happens when salt heats…unique cracks.

Instructables / kludge77

…And this is the decidedly UN-fun thing that happens when you drill into salt — breakage.

Instructables / kludge77

Brown used some resin to patch the cracks.

Finally, it was time to assemble everything! He glued the pieces together with epoxy resin.

Instructables / kludge77

Then he added some rubber feet and strung a light into the center.

Instructables / kludge77

Look at that glow!

Instructables / kludge77

If you want to check out the entire DIY, watch the full video tutorial here:

via VN