Jeff Paxton
07-20-2008, 4:53 PM
After reading all the posts about turquoise, I wanted to give it a try. This is made of cherry wood, approximately 9 1/2" by 3 1/2". I used 7 coats of wipe on poly to finish. I basically used the article by Stephen Hatcher http://www.turningwood.com/HOW_TOO/Basic%20Stone%20Inlay%20(Ver%201.0).PDF as my guide.
Two mistakes I know I made, (probably many others):
1. I got the level of stone too high above the wood when I filled the inlay notch. I know the idea is to have it a little high and sand it down, but I got it too high and it was quite difficult to get it down to the level of the wood. I got a new appreciation for the phrase, "hard as a rock." I used 60 and 80 grit, but it was still VERY VERY difficult. I had read not to use a gouge on a previous post so I did not do that, but I did try a old parting tool, but it became dull in about 5 seconds. Next time I will be much more careful about the level of the stone.
2. The second mistake was just poor planning. I should have taken a picture of the bottom of the form because the grain of the wood was beautiful and had much character. By simply turning it around, I could have caputured that along with the stone.
All in all, I was pleased with this first attempt, and so was my wife! I welcome any comments, criticism, and any keen insight as to a simplier way to sand down the stone.
Thanks for looking,
Jeff
Two mistakes I know I made, (probably many others):
1. I got the level of stone too high above the wood when I filled the inlay notch. I know the idea is to have it a little high and sand it down, but I got it too high and it was quite difficult to get it down to the level of the wood. I got a new appreciation for the phrase, "hard as a rock." I used 60 and 80 grit, but it was still VERY VERY difficult. I had read not to use a gouge on a previous post so I did not do that, but I did try a old parting tool, but it became dull in about 5 seconds. Next time I will be much more careful about the level of the stone.
2. The second mistake was just poor planning. I should have taken a picture of the bottom of the form because the grain of the wood was beautiful and had much character. By simply turning it around, I could have caputured that along with the stone.
All in all, I was pleased with this first attempt, and so was my wife! I welcome any comments, criticism, and any keen insight as to a simplier way to sand down the stone.
Thanks for looking,
Jeff