Ever heard of sovereign coasters?

[BullionBuyerUK]

Just a bit of fun really, been playing around with my laser engraver, never tried coasters before, so didn't have a clue on design, so I thought I'd have a go at some special year sovereigns for a start.

Wanted to make them look they had been pressed into the coaster surface, rather then a perfect picture. Little bit of a clean up with the sander, and some sort of finish on top and I think they will look alright 😁

Edited September 5, 2023 by BullionBuyerUK

[MickB]

These look decent, nice work there and great idea. How much do you charge for a set?

[James32]

Excellent work/idea

[BullionBuyerUK]

5 minutes ago, MickB said:

These look decent, nice work there and great idea. How much do you charge for a set?

Thanks, to be honest this is just a first trial run, if I were to produce any I'd have to do a few more to really dial the image in. For instance, I think the slate coaster would come out better if I were to lacquer them first, it's would give the laser a slight film to engrave as well. 

The wooden ones, are slightly ruined by the grain, but I don't think they are too far off

[Fenlander1]

I think they look great 👍 

[Gruff]

6 minutes ago, James32 said:

Excellent work/idea

Won't those just detract from your kilo gold bars you use as coasters?

[daca]

Great work BullionBuyerUK 👍

Edited September 5, 2023 by daca

[MickB]

8 minutes ago, BullionBuyerUK said:

Thanks, to be honest this is just a first trial run, if I were to produce any I'd have to do a few more to really dial the image in. For instance, I think the slate coaster would come out better if I were to lacquer them first, it's would give the laser a slight film to engrave as well. 

The wooden ones, are slightly ruined by the grain, but I don't think they are too far off

You're onto a winner with these. Maybe you can do a silverforum engraving as well.

[Blockhead]

I would buy these, and Britannia if you did them 

[BullionBuyerUK]

2 minutes ago, MickB said:

You're onto a winner with these. Maybe you can do a silverforum engraving as well.

Maybe I'll have to give it some serious thought 🤔.

Out of interest is it the wooden ones or the slate ones you prefer?

[BullionBuyerUK]

1 minute ago, Blockhead said:

I would buy these, and Britannia if you did them 

I could do pretty much any coin. It does take a bit of time to make the image reasonable for engraving. But, I can't see there being any real issues on any coins 🤷🏻‍♂️

[James32]

I think the slate ones make the design pop more. The wood would need to be darker to have the same effect, either spray painted first,or go with a darker species. 

Edited September 5, 2023 by James32

[BullionBuyerUK]

Just now, James32 said:

I think the slate ones make the design pop more. The wood would need to be darker to have the same effect, either spray painted first,or go with a darker species. 

Exactly my thoughts on the wood, the wood it too light in colour 👍

[MickB]

7 minutes ago, BullionBuyerUK said:

Maybe I'll have to give it some serious thought 🤔.

Out of interest is it the wooden ones or the slate ones you prefer?

The slate works better but the wood looks nice even with the grain.

[bobski]

22 minutes ago, MickB said:

You're onto a winner with these. Maybe you can do a silverforum engraving as well.

Having spoken to Chris about using the TSF branding on 3D printed items, My guess would be no.

[bobski]

I'd be interested in stainless steel Britannia ones if you ever feel the urge

[BullionBuyerUK]

1 minute ago, bobski said:

I'd be interested in stainless steel Britannia ones if you ever feel the urge

I'm yet to try my laser out on metal. You can create different colours when engraving on metal by adjusting the speed and temperature. My other hobby is wood working, so can't see me doing this anytime soon, but never say never

[James32]

2 minutes ago, BullionBuyerUK said:

I'm yet to try my laser out on metal. You can create different colours when engraving on metal by adjusting the speed and temperature. My other hobby is wood working, so can't see me doing this anytime soon, but never say never

I can see these doing extremely well if priced right. Chopping/cutting boards, knife blocks etc, 

[bluffer]

33 minutes ago, MickB said:

You're onto a winner with these. Maybe you can do a silverforum engraving as well.

til the chinese start knocking them out at 49p inc postage.

 

 😱

 

 

But seriously,  nice idea and just on those working samples, the slate ones look better.  Would be interested to see them once you trial and error to perfect production.  could do a full RM series - royal beasts, monarchs, myths and legends..................  🤣

[BullionBuyerUK]

3 minutes ago, bluffer said:

til the chinese start knocking them out at 49p inc postage.

 

 😱

 

 

But seriously,  nice idea and just on those working samples, the slate ones look better.  Would be interested to see them once you trial and error to perfect production.  could do a full RM series - royal beasts, monarchs, myths and legends..................  🤣

I'm on it! 😁

[BullionBuyerUK]

7 minutes ago, James32 said:

I can see these doing extremely well if priced right. Chopping/cutting boards, knife blocks etc, 

Cutting boards I'm far more experienced in producing, I could quite easy knock out a 6 coin cutting board. 😉

[James32]

13 minutes ago, BullionBuyerUK said:

Cutting boards I'm far more experienced in producing, I could quite easy knock out a 6 coin cutting board. 😉

 

I swear we will end up rich from this!

 

[Gruff]

55 minutes ago, James32 said:

I think the slate ones make the design pop more. The wood would need to be darker to have the same effect, either spray painted first,or go with a darker species. 

Ja I have to agree with you James, the slate ones look really nice!

[BullionBuyerUK]

Ok, so first update. I've sprayed the slate coasters with high gloss lacquer first, then engraved them. I think the high gloss is a bit too much, so a Matt lacquer would be better (don't have any) 

I've stained the 6 previous coaster with different finishes, and tweeted the engraving, so let's see how they turn out 

 

[James32]

If you have a blow torch, try burning the light coloured wood first then engraving.