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Mike Null
04-21-2010, 7:47 AM
Recently a customer came to me with a box and lid and asked to have it engraved. Being an old woodworker, I could tell instantly that this fellow was no beginner and I suggested that, given the fine quality of his work, mere engraving would not enhance the appearance. I suggested an inlay.

He agreed and here is the result. It is a .020" thick burl veneer. I lasered out the recess for the veneer in two passes and cut the veneer from the back.

He did the finishing. The box is a flag box, a gift for the widow of his friend, who gave his life in Iraq.

Joe Pelonio
04-21-2010, 7:51 AM
Beautiful work, as deserved by the circumstances.

Paul Brinkmeyer
04-21-2010, 9:55 AM
That looks Great.

Viktor Voroncov
04-21-2010, 10:20 AM
Mike, is letters also inlay? I do not see exactly on picture :( But anyway - work is impressive !

Mike Null
04-21-2010, 10:33 AM
Victor

Letters were also inlayed. I made three sets as they were quite fragile.

George M. Perzel
04-21-2010, 10:38 AM
Nice job , Mike- lettering is sometimes tough but looks like you nailed it.

Deane Shepard
04-21-2010, 10:41 AM
Beautiful work - both his and yours.

Deane Shepard
M360

Dee Gallo
04-21-2010, 12:02 PM
Gorgeous tribute, excellent job! Those are some pretty thin inlay letter pieces - were they able to be cut all in one piece?

:) dee

Martin Boekers
04-21-2010, 12:18 PM
Mike as you know there are many ways to finish a project.

You definetly did it the right way!

That's what sets you apart from the rest!

Nice work!

Marty

Mike Null
04-21-2010, 12:24 PM
Dee

I cut three sets of letters but the final product has all one piece letters. They were delicate.

Marty

Thanks for the kind words but my customer did the real work.

Martin Boekers
04-21-2010, 12:28 PM
Mike, I have seen many jobs that were great until the last person finished it;)

The main point was how you worked with the client informing him a the nicer choice (inlay) than just a burn.

Customer service!!!!!


Marty

Bruce Page
04-21-2010, 2:28 PM
Beautiful!

Ron Chapellaz
04-21-2010, 3:16 PM
Well done Mike!
I haven't tried inlays yet, but it's on my list of things to do...

Darryl Jacobs
04-21-2010, 9:30 PM
Well done and for an very worthy reason! It definately does justice to the cause.

Cheers!

PS. did you do the inlay with any offset to minimize a gap? Asking because I am wanting to try some inlay as well and wondering if I needs to design a press fit of the inlay or just leave the stardard kerf?

Joe Hayes
04-21-2010, 10:46 PM
Super job Mike. Very classy. I would expect nothing less of you.

Mike Null
04-21-2010, 11:15 PM
Joe

Thank you. Just trying to catch up a little with your work.

Darryl, my only allowance was to cut it from the back.

John Noell
04-22-2010, 1:16 AM
I only wish I had your skills! Beautiful work!

Andrea Weissenseel
04-22-2010, 1:40 AM
this is beautiful Mike !

rich shepard
04-22-2010, 1:58 AM
Very nice work going to have to try that one o0f these days.
A fitting job for a fallen HERO, they deserve the best and you came through.
rich

Frank Corker
04-22-2010, 3:42 AM
Great job Mike, the work will surely be appreciated by the recipient. On occasions where the lettering can be too delicate you can rub in solid coloured wax without detriment. I did it on some inlay work where the writing would been almost impossible due to size and it polished up very well.

Mike Null
04-22-2010, 6:12 AM
Frank

Having seen many examples of the quality of your work I appreciate the comments. Good point about the wax. I've used that on pens.

Anthony Welch
04-22-2010, 9:41 AM
Very good work on both of your parts.

Anthony

Keith Outten
04-22-2010, 8:56 PM
Top notch workmanship Mike and the box ain't to shabby either :)

Laser engraving the top would have been real eye candy but the inlay made the job a family heirloom. Two thumbs up for St. Louis Laser!!!
.

Jim Good
04-24-2010, 11:34 PM
Mike, that looks terrific. I hope the fine quality of the work will show the widow that her husband's service (and sacrifice) is appreciated and honored by those who benefit from his service. I know I appreciate greatly the sacrifice of all our military men and women and their families.

Great job Mike.

Jim

Mike Null
04-25-2010, 5:32 AM
Thank you. My customer said the family was deeply touched by the gift.

Steve Kelsey
04-25-2010, 10:08 AM
Beautiful!