working with an inlay project

[knotnut]

So I've never done this before, but I want to piece together a drawing made of light wood, like curly maple, and inlay it into a dark wood like Ind. Rosewood. How do I do it? Do I just cut out the pieces in light and open up a hole the exact size in the dark, or is there some secret method of getting pieces to fit exactly, with no gaps, into the base? Someone mentioned sticking the small pieces into an oven to "shrink them", and stick them into their slots and wait for them to regrow. Does that work? Or would that warp the wood?

[Dan S]

I just read a book called the art of inlay. I don't recall the author but he really did a nice job of explaining it all.

Dan

[Ashbys]

Inlay is not that difficulte.

Make sure your pattern is the same, cut both with crisp edges. When you match it into place, keep a little saw dust from both woods. If your inlay piece doesn't quite match center it as best you can, Then make a bit of filler with the dust. fill in the open edge. This will seal it and make a tight fit.

If your cut is cleanly matched it will press into the opening. You can also check out Ian Norburys site he does a very good viedo on doing his diamond inlays.

This is a custom amp box for a guitar we are working on , the finish has not been applied just natural stain , in maple and bubinga

Ash

[knotnut]

That is a beautiful piece. How do you make a filler with the saw dust?

[Ashbys]

making a wood filler , is just , glue ( using a stainable clear dry glue works best) and saw dust added together .
In a small sealable container , add glue and then add the saw dust to a dry mud consistancy. Then using a popsicle stick ( my preferred method) or a putty knife spread the filler arround the edges, clean up the extra by wiping the surface. Let it dry . Then sand and finish the work, your inlays will look perfect.

Ash