Introduction: Slate Coasters

About: I love making stuff, I love Instructables, I love tools, I love machines, and I love materials. But most of all I love Arnie.

This is a super cheap, super easy project that results in a super cool product :)

Cost
Slate £ free (offcuts, speak to your local roofer)
Foam 75p per A4 sheet (most art / craft shops)

Total = 50p per pack of 4 tiles....... that's 12.5p per tile!!!!!

Step 1: Mark Out Slate

Use a ruler and a stick of chalk to mark your coaster

Step 2: Cut Slate

There are three ways of cutting the coaster, the most difficult is the 'old school' but it requires no power tools and if you get it right, it gives the nicest effect on the edges of the slate

Old School Method
  • Get a machete or thin strip of steel (2-3mm thick)
  • Place the tile on a flat surface with a straight edge
  • Smash the hell out of it :)    (see video)


This is the best way of cutting but is also the most difficult, check out my 'rage quit' when i break my coaster :(




Quicker Method
  • Use a diamond blade in an angle grinder
  • Cut tile

Neatest Method
  • Get a wet blade tile cutter
  • Cut tile

Step 3: Cut Foam to Size

Use scissors to cut a square of foam just smaller than the slate.

Step 4: Glueing the Foam

  • Pre heat the slate in the oven, just warm it to 400C. If you don't the hot melt glue quickly solidifies against the cold slate
  • Remove from oven and neatly create a square of glue on the slate
  • Turn the coaster the right way up and squish the foam onto the slate and glue.

Step 5: Use! or Wrap for a Lovely Gift :)

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