This was a coaster made from a variety of woods using round plugs. I actually had no burning need for a coaster, but it seemed like a good sample for trying out this technique. Originally I had envisaged a vessel of some sort (E.g. a vase), but the technique results in a very rough "backside". This is due to the small spaces between the plugs as a result of their tapered shape. Straight plugs could be used, but then it is unlikely that the outside surface would be as smooth.
I cut a number of plugs with a tapered plug cutter in a variety of sizes. I just went to my wood shelf and grabbed interesting looking woods so the plugs are in various colours and grain patterns. All the plugs were cut across the grain so that they show normal wood grain rather than end grain. I then started with a piece of oak and drilled a few holes. Into those I tapped in and glued some plugs. After the glue was dry, I cut them flush with the surface. I repeated this process until all the original oak was gone and only plugs were left. I then formed the circular shape, cut it to the desired thickness, and added another thin piece of wood as a base. It made a fairly interesting looking piece, especially since the various types of woods are "through and through" as can be seen on the edges.
| Material: | Purple Heart, Padauk, Walnut, Swiss Pear, African Blackwood, |
| Birch, Zebra Wood, Maple Burl et. al. |
| Finish: | Varnish |
| Size: | 3.2" dia x 0.125" thk |
| Done: | ? |
