I wanted to get some little gifts made and returned to trivets as they are useful and not too difficult.
These are done by making dadoes (used flat tooth blade with repeated cuts with the jig).
Microjig used for the dadoes
Other trivets made from one section of board with dadoes cut on both faces to give the "open grid" pattern (idea from a YouTube video). Used my finger joint set at 3/8 inch (forum post on issues I had initially). This method is much quicker to make and will be nice for smaller objects.
Used mineral oil as the finish.
Various pictures... Separate pieces for the white oak and walnut trivets
Splintergroup- thanks! I actually used that cheap face shield I picked up as the dado cuts on that contractor saw were a little messy! I was reflecting how many extra steps I get when working around equipment that I pull out (gets to be a one way path).
Thanks Pottz!
Oldtool- thank you! The cross member style is what I had always done (I think I picked that idea from 3x3 Custom YT), but the dado cut version avoids the inevitable glue squeeze out which takes so much time to cleanup.
Thanks Ron. Our workout room is right next to my shop area so the weights are calling to be a clamping force! Looking at where we might move the workout equipment so I can spread out my shop (that would be so wonderful!).
Thanks Jim! The second design is one that would really lend itself to making a lot quickly, and could do different shapes afterward at the bandsaw. Idea was from Acutabove Woodworking on YouTube
Nice job Barb, they look great. Also got the finger joint blade usable, so a double win. I think if you get to doing a lot of finger joints, you'll find that blade a trusty ally.
I did a few of these for Christmas gifts a few years back. Way before Kerf Master or that Microjig spacer. Once I figured out the spacing I cut a white Oak block and clamped it to the fence. Somewhere in my pile of piles I still have it, written on it's side I wrote TRIVET. I think if I made them today I would use a router, and a spacer jig. I just know trying to keep that spacing exact, would be more measuring than I like to do without a jig. Or, maybe I would finally get the Rockler jig my Wife gave me a few Christmases back, out and use it. Hmmm maybe I need to open that thing up. :-)
TucsonTim - thanks! I didn't even know what a trivet was until this video 3x3 Custom did. The other style I found in an Acutabove Woodworking video. Then I sort of figured out what worked best for me with those ideas in mind.
GeorgeWest -thank you! Already have a request from my husband for some of the second design to replace the ones we currently use for our coffee mugs that have spacing that is a bit wider than optimal. The 3/8 should be about perfect.
