Natural edge coasters - where to buy wood

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#1

Hey all!

My partner and I want to make some natural edge coasters and laser cut names into them to double up as place indicators and wedding favours. Something like this:
image

Was wondering where we might source some wood with the bark still on like this? (Admittedly barely know where to buy prepped timber, but SL Hardwoods has come up a few times!)

Then from a practicality perspective, I’m wondering 2 things - are there any considerations for using this type of wood in the laser cutter for engraving (still waiting for induction)? and how might one go about making the bark edge durable?

Thanks in advance!

#2

AFAIK, best bet for that might be to use Paraloid B72. It’s used by conservators as a consolidant for timber that is crumbling, e.g. in medieval picture frames. It’s a clear resin that comes in crystals that are dissolved using acetone as solvent. Google it. Others may have better suggestions.

https://conservation-resources.co.uk/products/paraloid-b72#:~:text=Paraloid%20B72%20-%20Ethyl%20Methacrylate%20Copolymer,for%20a%20variety%20of%20substrates.

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#3

How many do you need and what diameter?

I can supply some pine but it is freshly cut down (about a month ago)

#4

We’d be looking to make 80-100 (haven’t even sent invites out yet…) around 10cm diameter, I guess around 1cm thick (some extra length for messing up would be great). How much would you be looking for for that?

Very novice to timber - assume the freshness means we need to (leave it to?) dry it out? If so, what would that involve?

#5

I can bring back some lengths from France tomorrow, but @lasertechs is it possible to engrave pine on our laser , it is quite a resinous material

#6

@lasertechs any thoughts on this?

@lewisss did you bring any back?

#7

It’s possible to engrave pine - from experience low power and a few passes works better than high power.
Watch for residue build up - check the nozzle after each pass

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