Another idea shot to hell

[Minnesota scroller]

The next thing I was going to attempt was coasters. I had some neat patterns in mind and scrolled one yesterday of a wolf head. I cut it out of 1/4" maple and affixed it to a black plexiglass backer. Once I figured out how to best finish them, I was going to be in business - so I thought. As I was studying my wolf head, the question came to mind. How in the world would you clean out the narrow frets if pop, beer or coffee dripped into them?

[BobD (Archive)]

Leave the frets open, but fill the entire thing in with clear epoxy! Then there are no holes for the stuff to drip into!

Bob

[Minnesota scroller]

You were quick with that one, Bob. Would you just cover the whole coaster with the epoxy and then squeegee it over the top to level it out and remove any excess? What would that do to the finish on the wood?

[BobD (Archive)]

I'd actually use the two-part epoxy for the finish (a thin coat of course). That would be very durable (shellacs and lacquers have a habit of breaking down under alcohol or water), and it would be tough to finish after applying. I'd do an oil finish of some sort first, then the epoxy.

Another option would be to fill the frets with a different colored sawdust mixed with glue for a contrast...just brainstorming...

I've been editing for the past too days, and the DIY/problem solver in me is gnashing it's teeth to get out!!!

Bob

[Minnesota scroller]

Bob, any recommendations for the type or brand of 2 part epoxy?

Thanks much for the advice. However, I'm not crazy about option 2.

[Gill]

I've been editing for the past too days

For how many days, Bob? Definitely time you took a break !

Gill

[BobD (Archive)]

I don't need to be able to type to edit <GRIN>

BOb

[Gill]

Hi Mike

The project might lose its commercial viability if you have to take a lot of trouble over finishing. How about stack cutting with a softer contrasting wood and creating an inlay? Or could you even make the coasters using relief cuts?

Gill

[Pop]

I've never dripped into anything ("... if pop, beer, or coffee dripped into them?")... don't care what you've heard...
PoP

[Minnesota scroller]

Gill, I was thinking the same thing. Coasters aren't that expensive. However, when you start talking inlays and relief cuts, you lose me. Remember, I'm just a simple scroller.

[workin for wood]

I have to agree with bobs idea, it makes the most sense. I wonder if auto body filler would work. pack it in, let it dry, then take the belt sander to it, apply your finish. Body filler might be a bit cheaper than the epoxy.

Ever consider making compact mirrors??? you need to tap the female market. I was just looking at the new woodworker supply catalogue, they have some pretty tiny pin/dowel hinges in there. You can have the mirrors custom cut locally, wherever you are, it's pretty cheap and fast..just silly cone them in. make a little felt pad to put inside it for a blush pad and a blush brush to sit on. it's simple and it's elegant.

[PuzzledMoose]

I've never dripped into anything ("... if pop, beer, or coffee dripped into them?")... don't care what you've heard...
PoP

ROTFL

[Bill Wilson]

I saw a project in one of the magazines I get that is exactly what you are trying to do. I believe they used a product called Envirotex (sp?) or something like that. Basically it's a clear, thick finish like is used on bar tops & such.

Try a google search on Envirotex and see if that is what you are looking for.

[Marcel in Longueuil]

How about just putting the fret side under lexan (or similar transparent material or glass) and maybe sort of have a little frame as the coaster edges holding it all together.

Doesn't have to be thick and could be changed when scratched, and would protect the fretwork.

Regards,
Marcel

[William Young (SE BC)]

Jeff.
What a great idea this was.

Ever consider making compact mirrors??? you need to tap the female market

because as a scroller/turner I look at ideas like that from a couple different perspectives. Now a ladies compact with a mirror in it made with the same wood as the perfume applicators that are commonly turned on a lathe would make a nice little gift package.
I am going to look into that idea from a wood turning standpoint and would like to see ideas on it from a scrollsawing standpoint as well .. Perhaps a combination of the two forms of woodworking rolled into the same project.
W.Y.