Looking for Advice on Making Coasters

I was thinking about making some coasters by v-carving a simple pattern into some thin blocks of wood. I got to thinking, though, that I should consider the effects of moisture collecting on them. Does anyone have any experience with this and/or have any suggestions for best wood and finish choices?

I've used corian with great success. Available from a countertop shop locally for cheap or free for small remnants. Machines easily and no water issues.

What about using a waterproof poly or sealant to finish them?

You can use Oiled Teak but the real issue for coasters is the condensation just rolls off them onto the table or makes a puddle if they have lips.
If you get some sandstone bits from a local stone guy you can carve your own "Thirsty stones".

We used sheet cork on the last ones we made
Gary

John,

I cut hundreds and hundreds of 4" coasters for a sports plaque shop out of 1/4" MDF and 5.5" beer stein coasters from 1/2" MDF. The sports shop then applies 3 coats of a good solvent based paint and they've never had any problems for the 2 years I've been cutting for them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by garyb

We used sheet cork on the last ones we made
Gary

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Gary,

Did you make the cork to fit the inside bottom, of the Corian coaster or the coaster was make completely of cork? Did you use anything on the outside bottom of the Corian coaster?

Did you cut the cork with your Bot/

Thanks
Wayne

Wayne,
they were alder and maple coaster's with a recess. the sheet cork was approx 1/16 thick which I just cut with a pair of scissors and glued it in the base.

Carve 'em in sandstone! :D They will absorb the moisture...

Ron,

Here goes the stupid question...

Where do you buy sandstone? Is it a flooring product, you are cutting them from? What size does it come in? Any idea on cost? Cuts with regular carbide bits? Can I V-carve and apply something to highlight the carving?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

Wayne

I have a granite/marble guy I occasionally do some work for, that can get pretty much any kind of stone. I've cut sandstone, marble, limestone and a couple of other soft stones on the 'Bot. They actually VCarve pretty well.

I did a quick google search, for sandstone coaster blanks, and got a lot of hits - some ridiculously priced! The cheapest I found, unfortunately sells by the case (100 pcs) for $130.95.

Here's the link if you are interested.

Ron,

Thanks for the link.

I appreciate the input.

Wayne