I cut the coasters from two layers of 1/8" Baltic birch plywood. In this case, I wanted to hide the plywood so I spray painted them gold. I then sealed them with a couple coats of spray acrylic to make them moisture-proof.
The four coasters stacked together add up to one inch thick. This means the wall of the tray needs to be at least one inch tall. I glued up two 1/2" thick walnut boards to get the height I needed. After paint and acrylic, the coasters are just a little thicker. The walls still hold the coasters but I could have used a little more height.
If you have some nice 1/8" thick hardwood then you can skip the paint but I think the gold looks good so either way will work.
Why I use Blue Painters Tape under my scroll saw patterns.
Scrollers have different methods of attaching patterns to the wood. I don't think there is a wrong way as long as the pattern sticks and is easy to remove after the pattern has been cut. This is just how I do it and if you are having trouble give this a try.
I know most of you already know this technique but I have had many new subscribers lately(people have a lot of time on their hands). I have received at least half dozens emails this month about this topic.
It is very simple. I apply blue painters tape to the wood. I coat the back of the pattern with spray adhesive(Glue stick work also) and stick the pattern on top of the tape. I buy the 1.88" wide tape.
Why? The blue tape does two things. First, it makes the pattern easier to remove. Second, the glue on the tape lubricates the scroll saw blade and prevents scorching of the edge of the wood. There is a lot of friction heat as the blade cuts. Woods like cherry will scorch easily and this little extra lubrication helps prevent the heat.
So what is the downside of this method? Blue painters tape is not cheap. If you go to Home Depot and buy the 1.88" wide rolls they cost $6.57 each. Six rolls is over $39. Six rolls like the pack above from Amazon cost $26.64 getting the cost down to $4.44 a roll.
To give you an idea of usage. I go through about seven rolls a year. Most weekend scrollers will have a roll last for a few months.
Are there any exceptions? Yes. When I have a large board to cover with tape I use Peel & Stick. Peel & Stick is a clear shelf liner paper that comes in 12" X 36' rolls. It does not work quite as well as blue tape but it covers a lot of area and is cheaper overall. Here is the Amazon link for Peel & Stick.
You can also buy Peel & Stick at Walmart when they have it in stock.
You will talk to scrollers who never use blue tape or any other tape under the pattern. If you don't mind having more difficulty removing the pattern then no problem. You can get the pattern off easily by spraying mineral spirits on the pattern. I'm not a fan of this method but it works.
I have used every technique there is to apply and remove patterns. They all work and have pros and cons. The method I use is what I have found to be the easiest for me. It is definitely not the cheapest method so that has to be considered.
$12 per sheet of 12 coins plus $3.50 shipping
Inlay with a 1" Forstner Bit.
The perfect way to sign your work.
Email Newsletter Readers: Remember that the Newsletter is just a copy of the daily blog post. To see the post in its proper formatting click this link. If you ever misplace a pattern or any item you see here you can always find it on the blog. Everything stays on the blog forever.
Products for your consideration:
Every Scrollsaw Workshop Pattern from 2007-2019 on DVD
This DVD has over 2,900 patterns published from 2007 thru 2019.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
The DVD is $20 plus shipping. Ships to 60 countries around the world.
If you use the DVD on a Windows PC there is a simple viewer program to browse through the patterns.
The DVD also works fine on a MAC. The viewer program is not MAC compatible but there is an included PDF with all the patterns shown as thumbnails for easy viewing.
All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Now Available on USB Thumb Drive
Don't have a DVD drive on your new computer. No problem. Buy the catalog on a USB thumb drive.All the same file but in an easy to use thumb drive. The USB thumb drive option is $23 plus shipping.
Want to create beautiful wooden vases on the scroll saw?
My two "Wooden Vases on the Scroll Saw" books make it easy.
The books are $12 each and available for instant download after purchase. Click for Video Demonstration.
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AmazonBasics Painters Tape, 1.88" x 180', 6 Rolls
This is the blue painters' tape I buy to go under my scroll saw patterns.
- 6-pack of indoor painter's tape helps protect walls, trim, and other surfaces when painting
- Made of blue crepe paper with an acrylic-adhesive back for secure placement; tears easily by hand
- UV-resistant and sunlight-resistant, the tape can be applied on hot summer days and/or in direct sunlight
- Can be safely removed up to 14 days—will not damage surfaces or leave a sticky residue
- Measures 1.88 inches by 180 feet when unrolled; backed by an AmazonBasics 1-year limited warranty