Hi
@TTony has suggested we include this in one of the tips and tricks sticky as it is something that many potential modders would like to do to add a little 'polish' to their builds. Below is an extract from my 2014 Challenge thread, specifically the inlaying bit.
I had started with a veneered and shaped headstock and wanted to add my signature 3 Swifts headstock moniker. The headstock started like this:
The inlay I use is Mother of Pearl that is readily available from luthier suppliers in small and pre-thicknessed pieces:
My trademark is the stylised swifts which I print out in varying sizes. I then cut out the templates and work out what positioning looks best for that particular headstock:
Next, I draw round the paper templates with a soft sharp pencil onto the Mother of Pearl. Because I've done these a few times and they can be geometrically fluid, I do it freehand. If it is an accurate geometrical shape I am after, I glue the template to the Mother of Pearl with thin superglue.
Next is to cut out the shape using a jewellers saw. I use a relatively coarse blade (I say relatively because they are SOOOOOO tiny in the first place). Buy plenty - they break frequently!
Note that my cutting rig is nothing more sophisticated than a bit of chipboard with a slot in it...
For cutting and filing, by the way, use a dust mask...you REALLY don't want to breath this stuff in...it's a bit like potter's clay dust - once it's in your lungs it doesn't come out again!
After a few blade breaks I have three inlays that are tidied up using fine needle files.
I'll post this bit first just in case I cock up something and lose it all...do not fear - the other stages will all be posted before the end of this evening :-)
Andy
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Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Just got the router base from luthiertools.co.uk - really well made bit of kit.
What cutter sizes to get from Small Wonder? 1mm for the fine bits and, say, 2mm for roughing out? Are the really small ones prone to breaking? (Tiny carbide milling cutters can snap easily if they aren't used with great care on a manual mill.)
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
Hi @Nomad I have the 1 mm and 2mm bits. They are surprisingly strong, particularly as you are only going a mm or so deep for inlays...
Nomad
Nobody loves me but my mother... and she could be jivin' too...
I wonder if anyone here would undertake a small project for me sometime in the future?
I lost the serial number from the back of the headstock on a refinish recently, and I have this half baked idea that I'd like to have it inlaid with MOP, in the last fret position, but I'd like it done in a wee brass frame, so it'll be much easier to fit. Am I asking for the impossible here?
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/61134/sarge/p1
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