Homemade inlays?

[papNal]

Does anyone have ideas on making a cross inlay other than lazer cutting? I would like to make some pens with crosses and maybe fill cutouts with various materials.The lazer blanks are great.but I can't afford them.If a dremel tool is used,what type jig is needed to get straight cuts?Thanks for any ideas. John

 

[D.Oliver]

You could do it with a scroll saw. Cut out the cross and fill the area where it was with a color resin. Go to the part where they make the spider in this tutorial. Should be the same concept. http://content.penturners.org/library/pen_blanks/segpenblanks.pdf

 

[Andrew_K99]

You could also buy them already done ... http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=83858

Less than the lazer cut inlays and work for any pen.

AK

 

[islandturner]

Almost two years ago, IAP member "Larry in Harrow" posted photos of his amazing cross inlays. He does these by hand, without the use of a laser... http://www.penturners.org/forum/showthread.php?t=51643

Does anyone have ideas on making a cross inlay other than lazer cutting? I would like to make some pens with crosses and maybe fill cutouts with various materials.The lazer blanks are great.but I can't afford them.If a dremel tool is used,what type jig is needed to get straight cuts?Thanks for any ideas. John

 

[JimMc7]

I've made some cross inlay blanks using table saw and router table.

1. Prepare blank and rip in half as accurately as possible
2. Using a miter gauge jig and router table, route 1/8" slot for horizontal section of cross
3. Glue in horizontal inlay
4. Using same miter gauge jig and stop blocks, route 1/16" slot for vertical section of cross -- use a sharp bit to get clean edges
5. Trim vertical section length on shooting board to get precise fit for the vertical section
6. Glue the 2 halves with the vertical section installed

Takes a while to get the jig set up and precise height adjustments but not particularly difficult once set up is done. Here are some photos of various steps and resulting blanks: