So theres something i want to make. Best way to make a through and through inlay (complex and nit alot to work with as far as small details for a snug fit. Also is there blue stain? Im broke so if there is and anyone knows how can i make it? A stain to compliment this in relation to ol' glory. TYIA

Edited December 7, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston
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Just guessing here, because I haven't done it, but the through inlay could probably be made using a scroll saw. 

Instead of regular stain you could probably use a dye instead. More choices of colors.

magic markers?

1 minute ago, lew said:

Just guessing here, because I haven't done it, but the through inlay could probably be made using a scroll saw. 

Instead of regular stain you could probably use a dye instead. More choices of colors.

Also have is a small hand scroll saw wont work unless i bond mult peices......may be the best way so i dont have to start all over again if i mess up

Just some off-the-wall thoughts.   Not sure how they will turn out...you would have to experiment some and then seal the wood...  blue india ink from a craft store or art-supply store, bluing (yeah, gun bluing)...   or the dye.   You may try some different shades of markers on wood, but it's not the best way to "color"...

Minwax used to have custom tin table stains available at the big box stores. You could also check online for aniline dye stains. They come in just about every color and can be mixed with either water or denatured alcohol.

You might consider an approach other than inlay.  [confession:  everything here I stole from someone else!]  This plaque was used as a wedding registry (guests sign the white area; later, whole thing sealed with  poly).  The base is joined poplar (cheap, easy to mill, stains nicely, mild grain).  The white state outline is hardboard, painted (flat white to allow writing).  Heart is a wooden cutout from a craft store, painted.  The inscription was the most difficult part (for me).  I printed out the letters using a word processor (MS Word) in different fonts until the Bride gave up.  Transferred the lettering to the wood with carbon paper, then used some simple carving tools (again, at any craft store); the carving was greatly helped by watching a couple of YouTube videos.  It turns out that just a few hand engraving tools are needed (a U-shape, a V-shape, a square edge, and a knife edge).  If I were to do it again, I'd do the carving before even joining the wood (if you screw up, discard the piece, do it again; even do it on the back).  After the carving, I stained it all, then painted the relief letters in white with a small brush, then poly'd the whole thing.  The state outline and the heart are held in place with tiny dabs of clay adhesive (the removable paper stick stuff); I was going to use something more permanent, but the clay worked so well in the mock ups that I kept it for the final.

Color stain can be bought at our local Coles Hardware store.

I had them mix up the three primary colors for me.

Now I can make any color the I want...

 

 

Edited November 3, 20196 yr by Kevin Beitz