What are some good resources for learning to craft old tyres into products?

July 31, 2009 3:40 AM

What are some good resources for learning to work with old tyres - crafting them into products and designs? +or could you explain the basic processes?

I'd like to learn

the best way of cutting them

how to make flat bits of rubber (a heat process?)

how to make them seamlessly into one surface as in a recycled tyre hut I once saw

Any other useful processes

Any good sites for inspiration - what to make, particularly sweet designs etc.

Any help appreciated, cheers

posted by Not Supplied to technology (7 comments total)

Make Your own Tire Sandals sounds like a cool project, and it includes some advice for working with tires.
posted by dreamyshade at 3:50 AM on July 31

Make your own Horse Tire Swing.
posted by JujuB at 5:43 AM on July 31

well you can convert them into planters, also out in the southwest they fill them with dirt and use them as walls for houses.
posted by majortom1981 at 6:52 AM on July 31

When cutting old tires, make sure that you are not working with steel belted tires.

When cutting old tires, use a sharp knife with a sharp point. If you don't know how
to sharpen a knife, then you have a dull knife and it won't work. You must also have
a glass of water that is tall enough so you can wet the blade entirely by dipping
the knife in the water. Keep the handle dry, though.

Mark the line you are going to cut with something that is durable and will show up
against the black tire. Dip the knife blade in water, and push it into the tire. Cut with
a sawing motion until the magic effect of the water is gone. Remove knife, dip it into
the water, and start cutting again where you left off.

It's entirely possible that a water based sexual lubricant like astroglide would be
extremely useful in this cutting process, but the cobbler I learned it from would
have been horrified.

Re-sharpen the knife as needed. Be careful not to cut yourself.
posted by the Real Dan at 10:26 AM on July 31

tire planters and how to make them
posted by auntbunny at 1:48 AM on August 1

Thanks, good info all round. There's also this which has some decent ideas.
posted by Not Supplied at 3:40 AM on August 1

I also marked my own reply as best answer just to see if it would work, not that it's as good as all that.
posted by Not Supplied at 3:42 AM on August 1