Introduction: Tree Trunk Trivet (for Starters or Kids)
in this instructable i am going to make a simple table mat from a tree trunk. in fact it is so simple you can make it with kids age 7 and up.
Step 1: Mark the Trunk
first you have to mark where you are going to cut.the thickness is not supper imported but try making it about 1-2 cm thick. If you are a starter or don`t want to spend money on a marking gauge you can use your finger as shown on pic 2 .
Step 2: Saw a Slab
this step is most of the work.
to start you can clamp your work piece in place withe a large clamp ore a bench vice . Make sure that you have dust masks and dust collection is running.
and you have a first aid kit nearby
the sawing will take 15-20 min so put on some music to keep yourself entertainer
Step 3: Remove Bark Ad Fill the Cracks
why remove the bark?
the bark will eventually fall of anyway so why not do it now
i used sow wood glue and sawdust to fill in the cracks
Step 4: Sanding and Oil
i used 150 grid sandpaper to make it smooth and ready to oil
TIP: for a cheap and food safe finish i use sun flower oil .it will give the wood a bit more yellow tone it works the best on darker wood but for something that will be used to put a hot pan on i don`t really care

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12 Comments
7 years ago on Introduction
Сколько же ты пилил, бедолага!
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
не стесняйтесь, присылайте что-то лучше :)
i used google translate so the grammer is probebly realy bad
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Так я же не смеюсь, очень утомительно пилить бревно простой пилой, сам знаю. Есть одна идея, скоро пришлю. ))
7 years ago
Might be wrong but I think sunflower oil goes rancid over time. using mineral oil which is inert doesn't.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
you are right . but this process will take a long time , i had a 3 year old plastic bottle witch smelled almost the same as an new bottle that is use to cook with.I also used it on a wooden spatula i made 1 year ago it smells fine and i didn`t have any problems with it.So i taught is was safe to use
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
They make oil specifically for things like this, it's advertised as cutting board oil. It may be more expensive, but how much is your health worth?
The instructable is great but I agree with livichris, better safe than sorry.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
By the way, what is a Trivet?
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
A Trivet is a pad or stand for placing a hot pan or dish on; ie so it doesn't burn the table. Think of it like a coaster for serving dishes. I use cutting board oil on every cutting board I make; it's expensive at about $22 a quart but it's definitely what I prefer.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Ahhh... :) Ok, thanks for telling me, I'm not very educated in either culinary or dining room tools in general. Like I said great instructable and I always love a big hunk of tree. I hope you know it was by no means a criticism. Look forward to seeing more from you. Have fun.
Reply 7 years ago
you put the pan on the trivet it doesn't come in contact with the food . so I think spending a lot of mony on a cuting board finish was overkill : )
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
That is a very good point!
7 years ago on Introduction
That looks great! Thanks for sharing!