Inlay Tips

E.L. Henson
 

Inlay and Design

When you receive your inlay carefully check the sizes and quality to be sure they meet your requirements. If there is a problem please let us know before you continue. Warranty is void once product is installed, see guarantee.

Your inlay will come with veneer tape on the face and set in a scrap background. Make sure when installing, the tape side is up.

The veneer tape is only for temporary holding. Some makers prefer two plying their inlay prior to installation. Use a sharp exacto knife to separate the inlay from the back ground. Carefully position the inlay and trace it. Set your router to cut to the depth of the inlay. Use a scrap piece to test depth. Trace the perimeter slowly with your exacto blade. Then starting in the center route out the waste coming close to the scribed line. Remove the rest carefully by hand with a sharp chisel.

First, dry fit your inlay to check fit. Then you need a wood caul or block larger than the inlay top and bottom. Use wax paper with a piece of cork or several layers of paper in between the caul and the inlay. This will cushion any thickness indifferences in the veneer face. Equal and good pressure are a key to success.

 It is always a good idea to do a dry run with your clamps. I use tight bond glue. Make sure the temperature of your work space is correct for the glue you are using and check glue directions. You will have to use your own judgment on how much glue you need. Too much will cause extensive squeeze out and to little will cause glue starvation. Use a small brush to control the amount.

 Be sure the void is smooth with no dust or dirt. I use blue painters tape to hold the inlay in place while clamping. You can then use a cabinet scraper to remove the tape, going with the grain to avoid tear out. This method works well, but does require time and patience . Good Luck! Remember if something goes wrong, persistence pays off. You can replace the wood but not your fingers. Be safe and God Bless!

If you have many inlays to install, I would suggest making a template and using a guide collar on your router, or if you own a vacume press we can set your inlay into a veneer sketch face ready for pressing.