DIY Coasters From Exotic Wood
Introduction: DIY Coasters From Exotic Wood
In this Instructable, we share how we made coasters from exotic wood! Even if you do not have exotic wood to work with, the steps in this Instructable are a good basis for making coasters in general. As with any woodworking project, always use tools properly, and do not attempt anything if you are unsure or feel it is unsafe. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube channel, and stay tuned for more awesome projects!
Supplies
Tools:
* Orbital Sander
* Chop Saw
* Table Saw
* Wood Clamps
Materials:
* Lumber
* Wood Glue
* Wood Finish
* Sandpaper: 120 & 220 grit
Optional Tools:
* Planer
Step 1: Choose Lumber
The three types of exotic wood I used were Zebrawood, Bloodwood and Lacewood.
Step 2: Joint Edge
To ensure that I would have a straight cut on the table saw, I jointed one edge of each of the pieces of lumber.
Step 3: Cut Strips at Table Saw
Set the table saw fence to 1 3/8" from the blade, and cut a strip of each species of wood.
Step 4: Cut Length at Chop Saw
Cut the strips at 18 1/2". This will leave about 2" of wiggle room for cutting the individual coasters and in case the strips are slightly uneven during the glue-up.
Step 5: Reduce Thickness of Lumber
If you are happy with the thickness of the lumber you are working with, you can skip this step. The stock I had purchased was 4/4 or one inch thick. I personally like my coasters to be about 3/8" thick after they are final sanded, so I planed the three strips of wood to be slightly thicker than that measurement.
Step 6: Glue-Up
Using your favorite wood glue, glue the strips together in whatever order you prefer. I used two bar clamps and a parallel clamp for each section I glued.
*I ended up cutting the strips of wood in half, so I did two smaller glue-ups*
Step 7: Sand
Once the glue is dry, sand the coasters. 431
I find it easiest to do a rough sanding on the piece before I cut it into individual coasters. I started sanding at 120 grit and worked up to 220.
Step 8: Cut Individual Coasters
Measure the width of the piece you are working with and cut 4 coasters at that measurement. For example, if the width of the three strips glued together is 4 1/8", then cut 4 coasters lengthwise at 4 1/8". My coasters were cut using the chop saw.
Step 9: Pop the Grain
Since this was my first time working with all exotic wood, I made sure to pop the grain. One way to pop the grain is to apply a small amount of water to a paper towel and wipe all of the surfaces of the coaster. I placed the coasters in front of a fan to dry.
Step 10: Final Sand
Once completely dry, do a final sanding at 220 grit.
Step 11: Apply Finish
Apply your favorite finish to the coasters. I applied three coats of a wipe-on polyurethane.
Step 12: Attach Feet
As an added touch, I added rubber bumpers to the bottom of each coaster.
Here is the Amazon link to the product I used: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SZ3GVDN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Step 13: Coasters Complete!
Check out those sweet coasters! You can use a variety of different wood species and patterns to make a set of coasters that is perfect for you. Thanks for checking out our Instructable, and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our Youtube page for video tutorials! 76