Some nail stubs were too small (shorter than 0.5 cm) to be
threaded and therefore needed a different extension system. A hollow
piece of threaded brass, similar that used by electricians, was secured to
the nail stub with carvable epoxy resin (Araldite AV 1253/HV 1253).
Before the resin was applied, the wood surrounding the nail stub was iso-
lated with a thin layer of protein glue. The nail stubs were notched and
degr eased for better adhesion with the epoxy resin. After being secured to
the matrix sections, the brass extensions were fastened to the supports by
washers and nuts (Fig. 5).
Athird method was necessary in areas where the nails had been
removed completely. Small round cylinders of wood, measuring about
1.6 cm in diameter and 1.4 cm high, were glued to the matrix sections next
to where the nails had been removed. This was done to approximate as
closely as possible the original forces in the intarsia panel. The grain ofA R S D P G 487A B C D EFigure 5, above
Test and demonstration model of a variety of
attachment systems considered for the intarsia
matrix sections and the new poplar support.
From left to right: (a) an imitation of a
clipped nail; (b) a short notched nail extended
with a threaded tube glued with epoxy resin
onto the stub; (c) and (d) small round pieces
of wood glued with hide glue to the matrix,
with their grain in the same direction as the
matrix sections, protected from splitting by
small collars; and (e) a nail stub cut with a
thread and fitted with a brass extension.
Figure 6, above right
Detail of Figure 5 showing the two most
frequently used attachment systems (d and e).
Figure 7
Detail of Figure 5. A poplar board is attached
with the systems shown in Figure 6.Figure 8
Side view of the attachment of the poplar
board showin Figure 7(attachment system e).
From left to right: the end of a threaded brass
extension, the poplar support, the walnut
matrix with a remaining nail stub, and a strip
of inlay.