Thread: Wire Inlay Again

Well decided to try to do a wire inlay again. Went alot easier this time since I used curly black walnut which is alot softer than the other woods I tried, but was still a PITA. Didn't turn out as good as I hoped it would. The design isn't perfect. I need to get a way to transfer the designs easier rather than trying to do it by hand. I need to make some more inlay tools so I can make smoother cuts. Still need to do alot of shaping with the scales, but figured I would do the inlay first instead of spending time just to have it ruined by the inlay. Think I might have to keep practicing. Might be a PITA, but was quite fun. Can't imagine how much practice some of the people have had to have that do this to make everything smooth and perfect. My hat is off to them.

Not to bad. Looks darn good to me.

Doesn't look nearly as bad to the rest of us, but then again you are always your worst critic, right? I had the privilege of meeting Bill Moran when I first started off and both he and Joe Keesler told me that the reason that most people use curly maple is not only because thats what the old American gunmakers used when they did wire inlay, but also because it is one of the few figured woods that will not split out when you gouge it across the grain. As for tools, if you are inclined to spend a little moiety, check out the kit that Joe has, assuming he still sees it. Some of the best "chisels" are made from cut down Xacto knife blades. A little jewelers chasing hammer is also a good thing to have

Looks perfect to me! I would be tickled fluorescent if I could do it that well. Is there a tutorial thread here on inlays?

There are three shorter videos with Joe Keeslar out there on the interwebz and some instructional videos too. Search for silver wire handle inlay and you will find the Keeslar/ABS vids.

Originally Posted by Steel

Looks perfect to me! I would be tickled fluorescent if I could do it that well. Is there a tutorial thread here on inlays?

It does look good.
Wire inlay is a PITA to do. I usually have to do about 10 repetitions on scrap before doing the real inlay. Very sharp, fine blades are necessary. And strop the blade often.

I know how you feel
Nice job but

I have not had a chance to play around with them at all, but I did get some tools from Lee Valley for doing wire and string inlay. I have the intention of using them on box lids and after my skills pick up perhaps something a little more tricky, like what you are doing. Most times we just sit and stare at the tiny imperfections in our work. Nobody else see them. It looks very nice. I like your concepts and work.

Originally Posted by Steel

Looks perfect to me! I would be tickled fluorescent if I could do it that well. Is there a tutorial thread here on inlays?

Yep. I would be beaming like a 50 watt LED.

I built a Kentucky long rifle back in the 70s and did a little wire inlay and to tell you the truth it's not that easy. I believe what you did looks pretty darn good so don't beat yourself up not many can do that good. An artist always criticizes there work more than others do.