Drink Coasters

Well I am impressed…

Nice, cool coasters

How does one go about making the curved pieces for the coaster caddy?

Nice! Ditto what "sink" said.

Simple is good because it means that I can make it. Looks good.

Terrific coasters. I want to make some for my wife, but haven't decided on a design.If it is okay I would like to use your design? I am just finishing a candy dispenser and your japanese elm looks like the locust wood I am using. I love the grain.
-don

Nice set, they are identical to my bandsaw sets that I posted awhile back.

http://lumberjocks.com/projects/73991
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/74924
http://lumberjocks.com/projects/76062

To make this coaster set the steps are very quick and easy. First you need to have a bandsaw with a 1/4" blade. Find the block of wood you are going to use and cut it to a shape you like. Round, oval, square, your imagination is free to cut what you like. Next step is to cut the bottom free from the block. Now you have a bottom and a block. Now take the block to bandsaw and cut out coaster blank and edges for the holder from your block. Now you have sides and bottom and a coaster blank. Glue bottom and recently cut edges together to form the coaster holder base. Sand and shape as desired. Take the coaster blank and cut out each individual coaster on bandsaw about 1/2 to 3/4 thick will work. Sand and router coaster edges as required and place into the holder. Trim edges of holder down to the height of your newly cut coasters and finish with oil and wax. Hope that helps answer a few "how to" questions.

The one step I left out and never did to this coaster set is routering out about an 1/8" on each coaster to keep liquids from dripping off. My coasters were too small and thin to route out any material.

Hi Blackie, thanks for posting your coasters, they are all very awesome. Your posts inspired me to make my own set. I'm going to incorporate bark on the holder of my next set.

Ah, now it makes perfect sense! (Sorry, I'm new to woodworking). It's almost the same steps as making a bandsaw box.

Lookin' good!

Hi Sink, no worries. This site is here for all of us to share and learn from each other.. I happy to answer any questions related to wood working and yes very similar to a bandsaw box build, which is on my infinite "to do" list.

Geoff instead of oil and wax look into using Rust-Oleum exterior gloss Spar Varnish it drys to a thick silicone base finish and water proof, as for as making the lip you can just slice off another 3/16" cut the middle out and glue it back on creating the lip that's how I've been doing it.

One thing that Geoff failed to mention great care needs to be taken when cutting the slices as a round block will turn in your hands, I use a resaw jig and secure the round block of wood to it.

Thanks for the tip of the hat and recognition on the coasters Geoff

Blackie, I think your bandsaw skills are much better than mine. If I tried to make the lip the way you suggested I'd end up with firewood.

Oh yeah when I first tried to cut the individual coasters off I did have the blank spin on me and the bandsaw blade caught an edge and broke and bent. That was a $30 "learning experience".

Love the coasters, Geoff!!!!!!

very nice, I like quick projects