Official Luthiers Forum!

Just spending the afternoon practicing inlay technique. The Blues Creek YouTube videos were helpful tutorials. Now I'm just practicing on scrap over and over before I inlay the headstock.

After 8 practice attempts I'm finding I have best results when I use a pencil outline, hit the corners with 1/32" bit, then do the outline with 1/32" bit, then hog out the bulk with a 1/8" bit. Then I try to fit the piece, use pencil to highlight where I need to still touch up. Then touch up those spots with a 1/32" bit again.

I'm more consistent now but need to practice a few more times before I attack the headstock.

Good job, Linus. I'm messing around with inlay materials and techniques now myself. It's tricky.

_________________
George :-)

Thanks George. I'm sticking with pretty basic shapes for now.

I practiced a few more times (9 times total) and then went for it. It worked well. The practice made the difference.

Nicely done! I need lots more practice with my inlays, but it's not something I really enjoy very much, so it's harder to learn to do it right. Don Williams does my head plates. Your work is very good.

Looks like you spent most of your time on the inset part of the inlay instead of cutting out the shell. If you are inlaying into ebony then you have some allowance for slop because it will be hidden by properly tinted glue. I suggest you now spend your time on cutting out intricate and delicate, multi-piece shapes in MOP and abalone. That is where the real artistry comes into play.

But not bad for a first effort.

Linus, nice tight fit!
Is there a story behind the "man in the moon" inlay, if I may ask?

looks good! I am going to start practicing inlaying myself. Any good-to-know starter tips?

Watch the Blues Creek tutorial videos (I think there are three) they are really helpful.

Thanks John!!

Thanks, i will