Hardwood Coasters

How I made them!

Cutting all of the wood

The first step was to trim all of the wood for the individual coasters. I changes the saw from a 24 tooth to a 60 tooth blade for cleaner cuts. This made a huge difference.

Setting the fence to 21 mm gave me uniform cuts to each of the slats. There were 40 wide wooden slats that I then trimmed to 80 smaller slats.

After cutting to the width I sorted them into a mix of different wood types to create a variety of different coasters.

The glue up

This was definitely the most fun part but it was messy.

Using Titebond 3 which is (according to youtube) the best glue for coasters, cutting boards or anything that is going to get wet for any reason.

Taking the different slats and using the sash clamps made for lots of glue everywhere but I've been told to use plenty for a sturdy hold.

I had to glue in 4 batches but did manage to glue 4/5 sets in each batch, making sure to wipe off the excess glue when clamped to save on sanding later.

Sanding, sanding, sanding and more sanding

I completely underestimated this part which was the most time-consuming.

I started trying to sand to level with an orbital sander and 60 grit paper but it was taking a very long time so I invested in a benchtop sander that made quick work of getting them level.

All of the coasters have been belt sanded, sanded to 80 grit then 120 grit.

After this, I popped the grain. This entails spraying water on each of them. You do this to raise the grain which you can then sand it back again. This stops them from going furry if they get wet.

Finishing

after popping the grain I cut the individual coasters to size on the table saw.

Once cut to size I added a chamfer to the edge of each then sanded back to 240 grit so they are smooth.

To give the natural finish they were dipped in mineral oil which soaks in and gives them a natural water repellant finish. When they dry they are further sanded to 320 grit and then polished with beeswax.

Add a bit of string, a recycled tag out of some packaging that was sent through, a sticker with my logo and VOILA! the coasters are complete.