[XXXVI]
INLAYING
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.