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Marquetry Made Straightforward – FineWoodworking

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Synopsis: In the case of marquetry, furnishings maker Craig Thibodeau recommends the scrollsaw packet technique as essentially the most accessible and environment friendly method for each novices and skilled woodworkers. He outlines how veneer items are taped right into a “packet,” minimize concurrently, assembled like a puzzle onto a substrate akin to MDF or plywood, after which glued utilizing clamps or a vacuum bag. He highlights ending strategies like sand-shading so as to add depth, together with cautious sanding and rehydration steps to stop warping and obtain a cultured remaining panel.


I began incorporating marquetry into my containers and furnishings in 2005 after taking lessons with FWW contributors Paul Schürch and Patrick Edwards. Like its shut cousin parquetry, marquetry is a type of ornamental veneering. The distinction between them is that parquetry is made up largely of geometric shapes, whereas marquetry is mostly composed of flowing, natural shapes and curves.

There are lots of methods to chop marquetry, utilizing all kinds of instruments—from knife slicing with a scalpel to double-bevel slicing on a scrollsaw and even utilizing a French chevalet, a machine made from wooden and operated by hand or foot. After utilizing all of them, I’ve come to the conclusion that packet slicing on the scrollsaw is essentially the most simple method for novices and execs alike.

Start with a line that extends to the sting of the sample. Transfer the again of the packet to steer the slicing motion, and attempt to break up the road as you chop. For smoother strains, keep away from stopping and beginning for those who can. You don’t need to observe strains completely with the packet technique.

After the items are minimize from wooden veneer and taped collectively, the sample is pressed onto a secure substrate; that is often plywood or MDF, nevertheless it can be a sandwich of the 2. That panel is then included right into a undertaking. (The again also needs to be veneered to assist the panel stay flat and straight.)

Simply as there’s a vary of slicing strategies, there are various methods to press (glue) the marquetry sample onto the substrate. I exploit a vacuum bag virtually completely, however small to medium-size panels might be assembled utilizing customary woodworking clamps and shopmade cauls produced from 3/4-in.-thick MDF. I’ve demonstrated the clamp technique in earlier articles on this journal, so I’ll present the bag technique right here.

Other than the scrollsaw and the clamping setup, the remainder of the instruments are easy. Whereas they aren’t obligatory, I like to recommend a specialised set of tongs known as V-Tongs. Accessible at schurchwoodwork.com for simply $10, plus delivery, this software is ideal for dealing with the tiny items once you shade them in sizzling sand, after which once you assemble and manipulate the marquetry sample.

A simple strategy to incorporate marquetry into your furnishings is with a small panel for a frame-and-panel door. That’s what I’ll present right here. One other excellent place for marquetry is a drawer backside, which gives a handcrafted shock.

A small panel might be minimize and assembled comparatively rapidly. If it doesn’t end up as you deliberate, it gained’t take lengthy to attempt once more. In lots of circumstances you possibly can merely minimize and tape a brand new marquetry sample after which glue it proper over the past one.

I’ll additionally cowl sand-shading, a useful method for including depth and character to a marquetry picture.

From Superb Woodworking #324

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