End Table with Inlay

[Russell Hudson]

I wanted to preface this post by saying that although accomplished furniture makers, we are by no means advanced marquetry craftsmen.
So... those of you who are masters at this craft will understand our beginner efforts at this skill... though helpful suggestions are ALWAYS welcome.

My youngest son (Brian) likes making intricate furniture as much, if not more than, the larger projects we do. He recently created an end table w/ a small inlay for us and we took a few pics of the various stages of it coming together. This work is historically referred to as marquetry.
Like all design work, it starts with a drawing.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/1.jpg
Then he created this bird from 1/8th inch maple.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/2.jpg
Then he used the bird cut out to mark exactly the size and shape of the area to be removed on the table top.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/3.jpg
The router is used to create the inset area.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/4.jpg
He made the bird's beak from a naturally red-colored wood called Paduak.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/5.jpg
Inlay prior to finish coat.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/6.jpg
Here is a detail of the drawer within the skirt.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/7.jpg
Hand-rubbed oil finished with a urethane top coat.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/8.jpg
I began to think of how great one of these inlays would look as a small 'signature' on one of the doors or drawer fronts in a kitchen or entertainment unit. A rosette made from a contrasting wood might also make a piece richer.
Here are a pair of doors I made many years ago for a client using what is known as marquetry inlay banding.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/rehuds/Brian%20table%20with%20inlay/0307121754.jpg
It seems that the possibilities for cabinet and furniture makers are endless.
Many use the word 'custom' but this is the kind of attention that gives that word meaning.

We make a whole bunch of different things out of wood / Check out the site, if you'd like...
(click on my name at beginning of article and a window will give the home page link)

Russell Hudson / Hudson Cabinetmaking, Inc.

[Van Huskey]

Very very nice, I love the balance it gives the top, especially "staged" with the lamp. Thats hard core doing it with a full sized router like that, you may want to look at the new small plungers from Dewalt and Makita.

Now, I do have one TINY critique, and understand I LOVE the table! The only thing that MY design aesthetic would like to see is the inlay band curved at the corner to match the outside edge. That is just me and I am sure many would prefer it like it is. You didn't ask for my .02 so if it is unwelcome ignore ever word in the previous thee sentences!!

[Bob Lloyd]

Nice work, love the table ,well proportioned. Great job, thanks for sharing.

[Bruce Page]

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon14.png http://www.sawmillcreek.org/images/icons/icon14.png Your son is a very talented young man.

[Jay Jolliffe]

Nice table. I like the inlay...

[Mike Henderson]

Very nice design and execution. One comment, though. What you are doing is known as "inlay" and not "marquetry". For a discussion (and definition) of marquetry, see here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marquetry).

No matter what you call it, your son's work and design is excellent. Beautiful end table.

Mike

Mike

[Michael Peet]

It's refreshing to see a young person creating something, and he did a fine job at that. Kudos to you both ~

Mike

[Ryan Mooney]

Awesome job on the inlay. I like how the grain works with the bird to make it look more "bird like".

Did he actually free hand all of the cut out?

[david brum]

I just took a look at your site. Your work is spectacular. Do you choose the colors for the painted interior work?

[Russell Hudson]

I understand the marquetry vs inlay now / looked it up / the blond band running the outside (& the final mahogany band) are not an inlays but 1/4" stock laminated to the outside edge
he used an exacto knife to define the shape (& give the router a edge w/o leaving small threads along the edge)

thanks for all the appreciative comments, guys