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Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Resawing the Wood
3. Squaring the Board
4. Smoothing the Edges
5. Sanding and Mistakes
6. Making the Box
7. Joining the Sides of the Box
8. Cutting the Bottom Panel
9. Adding Finger Holes
10. Gluing and Clamping
11. Finishing the Coasters
12. Conclusion

How to Make Walnut Coasters for a Coffee Table

Do you have some leftover walnut from a previous project? Why not use it to create matching coasters for your coffee table? In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of making walnut coasters that perfectly complement your table.

1. Introduction

If you have extra walnut wood lying around, making coasters is a great way to use it up. These coasters will not only protect your furniture but also add a touch of elegance to your living space. Let's get started by resawing the wood.

2. Resawing the Wood

Since three-quarter inch stock is a bit thick for a coaster, we need to resaw it or split it in half. Begin by lining up the blade to cut the board in half. Use a featherboard to support the piece while cutting. Take slow passes with the blade, flipping the board over to make another pass on the other side. Repeat this process until the board is safely split in half.

3. Squaring the Board

Once the board is split, it's time to square it up. Set up a stop block on a miter gauge at about four inches, ensuring the coasters turn out to be perfect four-inch squares. After squaring up one end of the board, lower the stop block and cut the coasters down to their final size.

4. Smoothing the Edges

To achieve a professional finish, smooth the edges of the coasters. While sandpaper can be used for this purpose, using a router table with a small roundover bit is a more efficient option. Move the coasters to the router table and round the sharp edges.

5. Sanding and Mistakes

Before moving forward, give your coasters a thorough sanding to remove any saw marks or imperfections. It's important to note that woodworking is a process that involves trial and error. Even experienced woodworkers make mistakes, so don't worry if you encounter some challenges along the way. Embrace the learning experience and keep trying.

6. Making the Box

Now it's time to focus on the box that will hold the coasters. Take some more scrap walnut and repeat the resawing process. Once you have the stock ready, break it down into the individual pieces that will make up the sides of the box. The box will have mitered corners, and we'll explore an alternative technique using a router table.

7. Joining the Sides of the Box

Instead of using a table saw, we will use a router table with a 45-degree chamfer bit to create perfect 45-degree angles for the mitered corners. Run each piece across the bit to achieve the desired angle. For the dado to house the bottom panel, switch to a dado stack on a table saw.

8. Cutting the Bottom Panel

With the dado stack set up on the table saw, cut the dadoes into all the pieces. Switch back to the standard blade on the table saw and cut the bottom panel from one-quarter inch thick walnut plywood to its final size.

9. Adding Finger Holes

To easily grab the coasters out of the box, it's a good idea to add finger holes. Mark out the area to be removed, and using a stop block on both sides of the piece, carefully cut away that section on the table saw. Use a spindle sander to smooth the finger holes.

10. Gluing and Clamping

Align all the side pieces and wrap them in painters tape to prevent shifting. Then, mark out the area for the finger holes and remove that section with a table saw. Once the pieces are identical, it's time to glue everything together. Masking tape can be used to clamp up small objects like this.

11. Finishing the Coasters

After letting the glue dry overnight, remove the masking tape and do some finish sanding. Apply a few coats of oil-based polyurethane to get the coasters to match your coffee table perfectly. Allow the finish to dry, and your coasters are ready to use.

12. Conclusion

Coasters are a small yet significant addition to any furniture piece. Using leftover walnut wood, you can create beautiful coasters that protect your furniture and enhance its aesthetic appeal. Don't forget to use a coaster to protect your furniture from water stains. Enjoy crafting unique pieces for your home!

Highlights

• Utilize leftover walnut wood to make matching coasters for your coffee table
• Step-by-step guide to resawing the wood, squaring the board, and smoothing the edges
• Tips for sanding and embracing the learning process in woodworking
• Building the box with mitered corners using a router table
• Cutting dadoes and adding finger holes for functionality
• Gluing and clamping techniques for small objects
• Applying a professional finish to the coasters for a perfect match with your coffee table

FAQ

Q: Can I use different types of wood for these coasters?

A: Absolutely! While walnut is recommended for matching purposes, you can use any type of wood you prefer for your coasters.

Q: Do I need specialized tools for this project?

A: The basic woodworking tools such as a table saw, router table, and sander are necessary. However, alternatives can also be used depending on the tools you have available.

Q: Can I personalize the coasters with designs or engravings?

A: Yes, you can add personal touches to the coasters by engraving or carving designs using appropriate tools. Let your creativity shine!

Q: How many coasters can I make from a single piece of walnut?

A: The number of coasters you can make depends on the size of the walnut piece and the desired dimensions of your coasters. Plan accordingly and consider making extras for gifts.