The coasters pictured below were made from a 4-1/2 inches in diameter log that was about 4-1/2 inches in diameter gotten from trimming a Linden tree. Using a power reciprocating saw (a) I cross cut ‘slices’ (discs) from the log, each about 1/2 inch thick, (b) sanded them on both sides, (c) drilled a 3/8 inch hole in the center, stained each with a very light colored stain, and (d) finished each with three (3) coats of satin finish polyurethane varnish, sanding lightly between coats. I then placed four flannel ‘buffers’ under each so they would not scar any table on which they were placed.
For the bottom mounting piece, I glued a 2-1/2 inch long dowel (painted gold then varnished) in the center to serve as the ‘holder’ for the set of coasters.
Quite easily done, with almost no expense, and they make great gifts.
– Marc Swadener
Boulder, CO
