Making Trivets

[Reaper]

What is the most common wood to use in making trivets, and at what thickness?

[Kepy]

You are liable to get a lot of different opinions as everyone has their own idea.
I use different hard woods primarily oak, maple and walnut.  I prefer mine about 5/8" thick.  I would think they would need to be at least 1/2" but could be thicker.
I also finish mine with mineral oil.  I soak the trivet then let it drip dry, wipe off any excess and after it dries buff it with a brown paper bag.

[julief]

Every one I have made has been 3/4" hardwood.  Maple, oak, walnut, mesquite - whatever I had that fit the pattern.  Probably use 3/4 because that is the most redily available.

[edward]

 I use 3/4 oak but you can also use Maple Polular   

[Silver Sliver]

Several years ago I cut a few trivets for my daughter-in-law out of 3/4" MDF.  I painted them and finished with poly.  She is still using them.

[Reaper]

Never cut MDF on my saw.What blade did you use on it.

[Silver Sliver]

I don't remember the size but I use nothing but Flying Dutchman blades.  I would guess that I used the largest scroll reverse that the fretwork allowed.

[jimbo]

I cut 27mm MDF with a #5 FD and it cuts fine
Jimbo

[Russ C]

When you cut MDF for you first timers, it produces allot of extra fine saw dust. Almost like a powder. 

[dgman]

When you cut MDF for you first timers, it produces allot of extra fine saw dust. Almost like a powder. 

A dust mask is a must!

[Reaper]

Thanks for the help guys.I will be giving it a try.