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Once again I turn to fellow LJ's for help, inlaying coins into coasters.

2K views 20 replies 14 participants last post by  Blackie_ 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I was just commissioned to build four sets of coasters, 8 coasters per set, customer is also is wanting 3" dia military coins inlayed in each coaster, knowing that condensation will be on the coins, what method should I use to inlay them with? 2 part epoxy is what I'm thinking.

Thanks
 
#3 · (Edited by Moderator)
Randy, make the hole a wee bit bigger
mask the coin and wax the wood
then put a black silicone bed down
Push the coin down then smooth away the excess
with a wet finger
once dry the overcast is easily removed
This allows for a fair amount of movement in the wood
Hope this helps
Jamie
 
#4 ·
Two part epoxy would be my vote. It'll keep the surrounding wood dry and the surface can be cleaned easily and polished if they get scratched up over time.
 
#5 ·
This sounds like a question for LJ Klaus Keifer as he imbeds Canadian coins in many of his projects and they always look great. But, I've vote for 2-part epoxy and use masking tape over the area, removing the coin area with a knife so as to avoid epoxy on the wood surface. Best wishes.
 
#8 ·
Epoxy, silicone, or construction adhesive have all worked equally well for me. Silicone adhesive might be best with metal.
As far as the wood movement comment above… wood movement across a 3" coin is negligible.
 
#9 ·
Randy that was the spec for a job I did many years ago
I think it shows a metal to wood nicely
I'm sure any colour would be nice

Jamie
 
#10 ·
i like the color black as i think it would hide any of the circle that might not get covered by the coin, but hopefully you can make the opening for the coins very close to what is needed, having a very small amount as i dont think much would be needed, whatever wood species you use, i would imagine it to be very dry.
 
#12 ·
I use a pressure fit on most of my coins with CA glue and the back of the coin rought up .
In your case because of the large size I would go with the epoxy but make the fit slightly loose .
The silicon idea sounds good the only problem I can see with it when the finish is applied and spots where there residue will fisheye .
 
#13 ·
Sounds like they'll be really nice coasters. I'd think epoxy, but no matter what, you'll still have moisture on the bottom of the cup and on the coaster. That said, I don't know.. lol
 
#14 ·
ok I'm going to pick up both 30 min and fast drying along with the silicone , thanks .
 
#17 · (Edited by Moderator)
Blackie, I would vote for black silicon. The trick will be to get the large coin even with the top of the coaster. I would suggest an "X" shape of wood so you could see what you are doing and press the coin into the slightly deeper silicon base.

I take it that you are using brushed on poly for your finish. That should help keep the coin bright. Putting a thin circle of cork on the back will keep the coaster from sliding. You might find that as some hobby places in a stick on format.

Have you considered making them square with rounded corners? If so, you could make the shape and then slice them off. Putting thicker paper between slices and then clamping the stack for a few days might help prevent warping.

Have fun with the project…hope it goes well.
 
#19 ·
I wasn't able to find any black Silicone but did pick up DAP all purpose adhesive sealant silicone only it's clear.

Big Al, I'm planning on using Walnut since customer is wanting a dark finish, she is wanting 4" square with round over edges, a lip and the coin inlayed she also wants each set be placed in a lidded box.
 
#20 ·
Blackie Most military coins have two sides of important info. Please check with your buyer to see if he wants thre user to be able to take it out and see the reverse side. If so just install a cork botton of the hole which will be about 1/32" larger than the coins. Then trust the drinker won't keep it.
 
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