Cutting mother of pearl

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Oct 7, 1998
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I collect antique sewing machines as well as knives.
I have a very old machine that had mother of pearl inlays in the bed.
Actually I'm told the pearl was cemented and the bed built up to meet it. I have to replace the missing pieces. My plan is to hit the next knife show and pick up a broken MOP pocket knife and use the scales to make the inlays since they're more likely to match what's there in color.
Where I need advice is to the best way to cut the pieces to fit.
What's the best way? Hand tools? Dremel? It's not going to be easy
the pieces are kind of tear drop shaped.
Thanks
Tom
 
I rough cut with a jewlers saw and finish to shape on a sanding block.

It takes longer but you don't suddenly find that the insert is too small.
 
I have to buy sandpaper for this project. Since it's likely I'll have to take the top down to make it flat what grit gives a satin like dull finish. I can't find the fine stuff locally so will order it from the supply house. If I can buy it by the piece I'll get a couple of everything and just stop when it reaches the right finish. I'll be trying to match 120 year old MOP that's dulled.
Under high magnification I see lots of tiny scratches which should lend itself well to the new piece being hand sanded to level.
Do most knifemakers wet sand MOP by hand?
 
One more question Let's say I get this inlay the right color perfectly fit. Keep in mind I can't sand the bed to finish anything flush so the piece has to fit perfectly. Now I put cement then pop in the piece and it's too high because of the glue. How should I compensate for the cement? I suppose I can drill a small hole or 2 not all the way through the bed to take the excess glue but would rather not on a vintage collectors piece.
thanks
Tom
 
TomW,

for small pieces and odd shapes a jewelers saw is the way to go. you can cut pretty accurate with these then you just have to trim to fit with needle files.

if the base material is hard enough you can get a good pattern from it by putting packing tape over the hole and carefully cutting around the edges with an exacto knife then stick this exact size tape template onto the pearl.

on the excess glue problem... measure the depth of the hole the inlay goes into and sand down your pearl to that thickness. using a couple drops of super glue in the bottom of the pearl should not add any heighth to the inlay and if any comes out the top just wipe it away quickly before it dries or use a small swab with acetone on it if some does dry. it shouldnt take much glue at all if the fit it tight, after you press the inlay in it would be hell to get it back out even with no glue.

on the paper grit to finish it, 2000 gets a nice "almost" polished finish but not mirror polished which might look slightly worn ore aged:) if you want more polish a little white rouge on a piece of felt will polish it nicely.
 
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