SAMPLE: Geometric Hexagon Coasters with Epoxy Inlays - Design Tech Project

By



What is your project?

This is my coaster set and coaster holder. They are both made out of walnut wood, and the coasters also have black epoxy resin for the inlays.

How did you make it?

I made the coasters on the laser cutter and then filled in the gaps with epoxy that I had dyed black. The coaster holder was cut out on the CNC Router (Carvey) in two pieces and then glued together. Once everything was glued and dried I did a lot of sanding with a random orbital sander, sandpaper, and Dremel sanding disc. I finished all of the pieces with a mixture of linseed oil and beeswax to seal the wood and bring out the beautiful color of the walnut. I also attached some thin cork on the bottom so they have a little more grip on the table.

What do you like most about your project?

I like that the final product looks like something you would buy, and also that each of the coasters have their own unique design. I like that the coaster holder looks like it is made out of one piece of wood, even though it is actually from two separate cuts.

What was challenging about this project?

One of the biggest challenges was working with the epoxy and making sure that there weren't any bubbles in the pour. Also, sanding off the epoxy took quite a bit of time and required making a jig to keep the coasters in place. 

Another challenge was sanding the coaster holder evenly and fully to clean up the edges where it was glued, especially on the inside where it was harder to reach the corners.

What would you change about the project if you did it again?

I would probably try to get a heat gun or hair dryer when working with the epoxy resin to make sure that the air bubbles get fully out of the pour. I'm not 100% satisfied with there being a couple of bubble spots on one of the coasters, so it's definitely something that I would do better in the future.

What is your plan for it now that it's done?

I plan to use it in my living room to keep glasses and mugs from messing up the walnut coffee table that the coasters match.





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meet me at Midnights coasters - Design Tech Project - Federico Sanchez

By
Image
  My coaster project, which I based on four different Taylor Swift albums, was a unique and fun experience. Prior to my work in this course, my skills with 2D design, laser cutting, and engraving/cutting materials were basic. Throughout this project, I learned different skills and became more confident in my 2D design work.      For me, the most challenging part was designing the coasters. I wanted to make my coasters resemble the four album covers as best as possible, while still making sure they would translate well when being engraved. However, with the help and feedback from my teacher, I successfully created four designs that were both replicas of the album cover and looked good when engraved. My favorite part of the process was watching the laser cutter create my designs. It made me feel proud of the hard work and time I spent on the project.  One of the biggest takeaways from this experience was thoroughly brainstorming your design. Specifically, thinking how you would re-create
Read more

Quidditch Set coasters - Max Barger

By
Image
 Quidditch Set Coaster Project     For my coaster project, I wanted to do something that represented one of my top interests. I chose to design and create something Harry Potter related. Through this process, I changed the design and made lots of edits to ensure I could create my ideal design. I ended up going with my first idea and made three different coasters with designs based on Harry Potter's Quidditch set and the definitions on the back.       To make these awesome coasters, I had to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator as well as the proper procedures for the laser cutter and the CNC router. Prior to this, I had virtually no experience with these materials and tools, so it was a long process that was definitely worth learning. The most challenging thing for me was learning how to use Adobe Illustator and figuring out what designs I wanted, and how all of the little details I wanted would be included.      The thing I like most about my project is that it is very unique, and r
Read more

Flower Coasters Jaycie Fazande

By
Image
                                                                       Flower Coasters for my Grandmother   For my coaster holder project, I decided to make coasters for my grandmother that represent her. The first thing I did was take the flowers that my grandmother drew and traced them to put them in Adobe Illustrator. After editing the flowers to my liking, I uploaded them to the laser cutter so I could start prepping my acrylic to become the actual coaster.  While my coaster holders were being designed, I decided to start planning out my coaster holder. For this design, I wanted to do something simple so it wouldn't take away from the actual coasters. So I went with a three-slot coaster holder with a bible quote on each side. After my coasters were done in the laser cutter, I took a minute to look at them to make sure everything turned out well, especially the flowers, afterward I put adhesives felt back so the coasters wouldn't go sliding all over the place when my grandmo
Read more