live edge coasters

Coasters look good. I would lik to know more about micowaving. How long do you leave in? On high?

-- Gary, Huntsville. May you live as long as you want and not want as long as you live.

i have followed the instructions on http://www.woodisfun.com/microwavedrying.html.

basically, you put your stuff into microwave proof plastic bag, put it on high until the bag inflate, take it out, take the wood out of the bag, let it cool (3-5 minutes) and wipe dry the bag. repeat 3-5 times until its dry (i used the scientific method of knocking on it to check for dryness but i am almost sure there are more precise methods)

-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...

Good idea, thanks for posting the microwave link.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

These turned out really well! I can confirm that without boiling or microwaving, that these checked. I tried making a few myself – using the same wood from the same tree, so I think it was a fair comparison.

Here is one source of information on boiling green wood, from LJ’s own SteveRussell http://www.woodturningvideosplus.com/boiling-green-wood.html

-- Steve, New Zealand, www.steveracz.com

sorry about misspelling your handle… i always think its a short for delta x guy. too much calculus in my life, i guess.

the main difference between boiling and microwaving (other than smell in the kitchen, drying time and colour) is size and scale. i would definitely use microwaving for small items but for larger pieces of wood or large amounts boiling is the only option.

-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...

moshel, can you give an idea of the line between large and small? thx

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.

its just what goes easily into your microwave. you can’t really dry a 30 cm diameter log in the microwave or dry a 80cm slab this way. however, you can boil these with some effort. in my microwave i would guess that the biggest thing i can dry this was is about 20×20x20. also bear in mind that these were thin slices, so they microwaved fast. i haven’t tried larger pieces yet but i suspect they will take a bit longer.

-- The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep...

Thanks for your reply. I have some green maple I want to carve a few bowls. It sounds like that will be the best way to go.

-- Debt is nothing more than the 21st Century's form of slavery.