decroative metal overlay

[John C]

I am looking to start trying to do some small decorative metal overlay onto wood scales.
Having never tried this before, what is the standard practice for this?
Would you just glue the metal to the scale, pin it in place, or recess the metal into the scale for a true inlay?

Second question...How would you finish out the scale? Coat the whole thing so the metal is smooth and flush with the surface, or leave it above the scale for a smooth texture difference.

Comments, thoughts
Thanks

[Fnord5]

I would want it level with the wood, a true inlay.

As for finish, a CA coat (superglue) would probably work best.

Looking forward to seeing your work, especially after your scales!

[jadam318]

I would want it level with the wood, a true inlay.

As for finish, a CA coat (superglue) would probably work best.

Looking forward to seeing your work, especially after your scales!

+1 - I think I'd want mine to be a true inlay. I have a picture in my mind of Mother of Pearl or Abalone inlay, just with metal instead. Then again, I've never inlaid anything myself, so the process for those is likely quite different.

[Seraphim]

John, in your other thread I posted a pic of one of my razors with a silver inlay over wood.

Not really an inlay, as I CA glued it, so an onlay, or overlay. I'm sure you'd be able to come up with a better way to do it, but I've been happy with the CA bonding on top.

[John C]

John, in your other thread I posted a pic of one of my razors with a silver inlay over wood.

Not really an inlay, as I CA glued it, so an onlay, or overlay. I'm sure you'd be able to come up with a better way to do it, but I've been happy with the CA bonding on top.

Thanks Seraphim, I remember the piece. That's actually the reason for this post. I liked the way the fourty four stood up off the wood. However I've seen some bolster work that looks like it's flush. So I guess the answer is a bit of both. *grin* large surface amounts should be inlayed, but bolster work can be overlayed, especially on the wedge end.

Sound about right to you guys?

And yes CA will be *SOOOOO* much easier than pinning. *grin*

[Seraphim]

From what I can tell, on plastic scales, they were inlaid by heatingthe inlay and then shmooshing it in there.

You may have to consult a technical reference for "shmoosh".