Well I put on my big girl panties and did the inlay- using the suggestions you all provided.

 

I saturated the fragile piece with three applications of thin CA after covering the back of the piece with tape. Instead of doing a typical inlay with a router inlay kit, I used double sided tape to fasten the sample shape to the front side of the "carpenter's mark". Then I cut around the sample shape using a coping saw- staying well proud of the sample. To complete the inlay, I sanded it down to the same size as the sample piece.

 

 

For the lid, I covered the surface with tape. I scored around the sample piece with an exacto knife. Then, using my trim router, a template and the inlay kit bushing and bit routed to out the top of the lid. Did some final fitting with sand paper and this is the result-

 

 

 

The inlay is not pushed all the way into the recess, I need to do some more sanding on the top.

 

 

I know the fit would have been better if I had used the router/inlay kit on both pieces but I don't think the piece would have survived intact even with the glue and tape.

 

Close but certainly not perfect-

 

 

 

Also, I fixed up the unsightly nail hole-

 

 

 

 

Some more sanding, a couple of "U" shaped supports for the pen, then on to the finish. Probably use some sort of clear coat. Although, a wiping oil would probably bring out the grain.

 

 

 

Edited January 21, 201610 yr by John Morris
fixed text alignment and image placement, added tags

Loooookin' good, Lew.

Looking great Lew

I liker the standing proud look.

Thanks, Cliff! Even when the piece is pushed down all the way, it will still set a little higher than the surface. I was afraid to cut the piece too thin and also the surface of the piece is not flat. It would not set flush with the lid all the way around, either.

 

 

Another great project brought up from our archives, I'll bring the other related articles up by Lew so this one will make sense and in context, it's a wonderful project Lew undertook!

I remember this. 

Nice work