Don't Tread On Me - Slate Coasters
Instruction
Slate Coasters with a design made with AImake. Entry for the AImake contest, please click LIKE to vote for the design project.
Full project writeup at: https://www.designfind.com/project/27363
AIMake Settings...
[Style] Pencil sketch
[Prompt] snake wrapped around a voter's hand placing a ballot in the ballot box
[Text] don't tread on
Resources needed:
- Four (4) stone coasters; to engrave
- Rubber feet for the stone coaster; if they don't already have them
- Two (2) 12 x 12 x 3mm basswood plywood boards; to create a fig template
- Wood glue; for the jig template
- Matte Black Spray Paint
- Matte Clear Spray Sealer
XTools has both stone coasters and an jig template in svg format:
- https://www.xtool.com/products/rock-coaster-4pcs
- https://www.xtool.com/products/square-rock-coaster-jig-file
However, you I got a set from Amazon and created a custom jig template. The rest of the material is available on Amazon and your local big box hardware store.
The project provides a template for a 100mm x 100mm slate coasters; see in the Canvas called "coaster-template". The square cuts are set to 101mm X 101mm to allow some room for the coasters to set in.
To cut the template:
- Select the coaster-template canvas in the project
- Click on Go to Process
- Setup your 12 x 12 bassword plywood board on your laser
- Conduct the framing exercise
- Click on Start to cut.
To complete the template:
1. Place glue on the template plywood board
2. Align and set on the uncut plywood board
3. Clamp or weigh down as needed
After the glue dries, you have a jig template for your coasters.
You can make a design using the AIMake tool on the DesignFind website.
In my case, I used the Pencil Sketch tool under the Logo Design category.
Feel free to experiment as you see fit.
The "coaster" canvas provides the jig template in an "ignored" state to allow you to setup your design; or go ahead and print the design provided.
For you own design, simply add you image to the project and align to the coaster template.
Much of the following is optional, but I think it helps make for amore quality slate coaster.
- Sand the top of coaster with 220 grit sandpaper. Perfectly smooth surface work well for a more detailed design; but some roughness may be desired for a more "weathered" look in your final engraving.
- Spray matte black paint on top to create a nice coat to contrast the final design.
Setup your material on the jig and engrave.
Once complete, finish of your coasters with a spray sealer in clear matte finish.
In the photos, I show one coaster with none of the material preparation completed, but finished with the sealer. Your mileage may vary.