Making coasters from a small log

just a thought but if you cut it green you may be able to relieve some internal stresses by drilling a hole in the center, don't know what if any wood survive though.

or maybe recess a real coaster into the center

the real wood stores I have been too have the real exotic cuts but also a greater portion of the tree, like 2-inch thick slices from the trunk with the bark on for projects like coffee tables or desks. Huge veneer sheets and all kinds of wood options. If you are near a big city, and maybe if you're not, I'd see if there are any real would-only stores to look into. Its a treat.

Tue, Nov 14, 2006, 8:30am (EST-3) snipped-for-privacy@osu.edu (foster239) doth query: I would like to make coasters from a small (3-4") log by crosscutting them on a bandsaw about =BC" thick. Would anybody have any recommendations on what kind of wood/log to use that would not "check" and would have an interesting grain structure?

To my mind about any wood would have an interesting gain structure. =

Probably your best bet would be already dried wood. Other than that, experiment a bit - slice a load of potential coasters, put 'em in a large paper bag with sawdust and let the lot dry for awhile. Or, try microwaving the wood, either before, or after cutting. Experiment. Google is your friend

JOAT Democratic justice. One man, one rock.

Any chance of convincing you to rip that log instead?

Thanks

Would soaking the fresh cut cross section in Pentacryl and then finishing with poly work?

Russ