Scraps to Coasters #1: Prep Work and the Glue Up

These look great, what are the dimensions of them??

-- John Gray

With lemons you make lemonade. With scrap wood, you glue it together randomly and create envy.
Awesome idea, even if you claim it’s not yours.

-- Matt from Ohio

John_G- I think they ended up close to 3 3/4” square x 1/2” thick. I made some of these about a year ago for my own house. I’m doing these as a barter exchange for a professional photographer and friend to take some quality shots of some of my woodworking to use on my new website.

-- DullChiselDoug, http://www.mcphersonvisionsinwood.com

Hey, that’s pretty sharp for a “dull chisel”, Doug! How about a water-proof finish so sweating glasses won’t get your coasters warped or unglued?

-- Paul - The sweetest sound in my shop, next to Mozart, is what a hand plane makes slicing a ribbon.

LittlePaw, yes, water-resistant/proof is the main objective. Also, able to hold up to hot beverages too- coffee/tea. So, do you have suggestions? I’m thinking shellac may not work well, that’s why I went with poly the first time. Those are holding up ok, but you can see light rings on the surface.

-- DullChiselDoug, http://www.mcphersonvisionsinwood.com

How about 100% pure Tung oil? I use it on my cutting boards followed by a coating of George’s Club House wax. Holds up well.

-- Beth, Oklahoma, Rambling Road Designs

Thanks for the idea Beth. I use mineral oil and beeswax on my cutting boards. I don’t know about George’s Club wax, and also wasn’t aware that Tung oil was “food safe”. I’ll look in to this. Thanks for your comments and idea.

-- DullChiselDoug, http://www.mcphersonvisionsinwood.com

I would use a 3 inch forstner bit and bore a 1/8” recess on one side or maybe even both sides.

I like Ted’s idea of the recess because I hate it when the glass condensates, and then it overflows the coaster and gets on the table anyway.

Great blog.. and some great ideas in the comments…yes I do read all the comments…

-- Drink twice... and don't bother to cut... @ larrysworkshop.wordpress.com For lovers of all things timber...

I used Watco’s Butcher Block clear coat on mine and they turned out beautiful. I also made some snack trays last year using this finish. You can take a look here if you want to see the finish:

http://www.oldaveswoodshop.com/Snack%20Tray%20Project.php

-- Dave Haynes, Indiana, http://www.oldaveswoodshop.com

Great idea! I’m going to go rummage through my scrap box this afternoon to “borrow” your idea.

-- Rob, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario