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WOODWORKING

Chapter 27

Inlay and Marquetry

Introduction
Wood inlaying, or marquetry, is the art of inserting thin sheets of different colored woods, called
veneers, into a base material to form images and patterns. Veneers may be purchased or made from excess
stock in a variety of colors and grain patterns.
The design formed into the base material does not fill the entire work area (i.e. the cabinet top, door,
jewelry box lid, etc.). Wood inlays are often the subtle decorative addition or the border art of a project. It
does not define the object. It decorates it. Below are some samples.

Tools and steps for inlaying:
Depending on the design you choose, the process of inlaying can be quite simple or very complex.
Regardless, as with any woodworking craft, it does require patience. Below are the tools needed and the
steps necessary for creating an inlay.

1. Carbon paper: Once you have drawn the image you wish to insert into the workpiece, you will
   need to transfer it onto the wood. This is easily accomplished by using carbon paper. Carbon paper
   has a thin layer of dry ink coated on one side of a piece of paper, which when placed under your
   drawing and traced the image transfers what has been etched onto the wood.


2. Utility knife: Utility knives hold specially made razor blades. Press the blade along the
   lines of your image transferred onto the wood as deep as the thickness of the veneer.


3. Router: Using an undersized dado bit,
   router out the image the same depth of the
   veneer. The edges of the image cut into the
   wood from the utility knife help make for a
   clean cut.


4. Scroll saw, utility knife, coping saw: Cut the veneer into pieces for your design. The tool used for
   cutting will depend on the thickness of the veneer. It is important that the pieces fit together with
   precision. This can best be accomplished by shaping one piece, then tracing that piece onto the
   veneer that will be adjacent to it. Then, cut that piece out.


5. Wood files and disc sander: Shape the pieces of veneer to fit together exactly and fit them into the
   recessed area. Once you are satisfied with the way the pieces fit, glue the pieces in place.


6. Scraper: A wood scraper is simply a flat piece of sharpened metal. Use the scraper to remove any
   uneven edges.
   Palm sander: Using fine grit sandpaper to sand the workpiece smooth.

Unit VI: Wood Specialties