In our search for the simple life with its mission furniture, etc.,
inlaying has become almost a lost art, but it is so easily done, and if
used in moderation so pleasing to the eye, that every boy ought to try
it at least.
If simple designs are adhered to, the results are bound to be
satisfactory. The materials required are a few pieces of veneering of
different thicknesses and two or more kinds of wood. Veneering can be
obtained from 1/8 inch thick down to 1/64 inch, but for ordinary work
the thickness should be 1/8 inch, 1/16 inch, and 1/32 inch, and the
woods, ebony, holly, walnut, mahogany.
A good collection for simple designs is:
1/8-inch ebony, holly, mahogany
1/16-inch holly, rosewood, walnut
1/32-inch holly, mahogany
The tools required are a mitre box, back saw, socket chisel, and mallet.
The process consists of building up the design, cutting out the
opening, gluing the design in the opening, and dressing down.