My first Wire inlay attempt

JTknives

JTknives

Joined
Jun 11, 2006
Messages
8,651
I have been for a long time wanting to try my hand at inlaying wire into knife handles so i made an inlay tool at work today and when got home gave it a shot. I used a copper wire of sorts. it was a supper ling curl that came off a part i made on the lath and i kept it. i hammered it flat and annealed it. my lines are not a smooth as i would like but this was my first attempt. what do you think and do you have any tips that will help me out next time.

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I am sure if i sanded down the wood more the lines would clean up more as after i inlay the wire i weted the surface and the wood swelled quite a bit around the wire. One question i have is how do you cut off the wire after you get to the end of a run? I would get to the end and take my inlay slot cutter tool and mark the wire then pull the wire out and cut it off and re-inlay it. Thanks
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I'd angle the veins of the leaves more and file a taper into the ends of your runs so they don't stop so abruptly. Looks like a good start.
 
Nice work, JT. That looks fun. I have some 1/4" blank lathe bits on my computer desk, what shape did you grind your tool to? I always wanted to try this.
 
I have discovered 2 tips that seam to make a huge improvement. I was cutting my slot then pounding the wire into it in tell it smashed down into the slot and became flat. That is why my wire lines look all bumpy and funny. i have found if i just cut my slot and gently tap the wire into the slot and then drip some water on it then the wood swells back out and holds the wire in the slot tightly. and then i can file off the wire thats sticking up past the wood.
 
Hey JT,
Looks good for a first try!:thumbup:
Here is a tip for getting the flat spots on your curves out.....Tap the wire in half way...use a push stick to tweek the wire in the flats to create a better curve then tap the rest of the way in.
Pick up a copy of "Master of the forge"...it is full of inlay.

I think one of the most important parts is to have a good layout.
When I do an inlay now it takes me way longer to lay it out than it does to inlay the wire.

Nail clippers work good for cutting the end of the wire.
Hope that helps some.
Mace
 
Mace said:
Hey JT,
Looks good for a first try!:thumbup:
Here is a tip for getting the flat spots on your curves out.....Tap the wire in half way...use a push stick to tweek the wire in the flats to create a better curve then tap the rest of the way in.
Pick up a copy of "Master of the forge"...it is full of inlay.

I think one of the most important parts is to have a good layout.
When I do an inlay now it takes me way longer to lay it out than it does to inlay the wire.

Nail clippers work good for cutting the end of the wire.
Hope that helps some.
Mace
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great tip with using the nail clippers. also i have noticed that the layout is very very important. I also use a small file and file a angle on the end of the wire so it blends into the joining wire niceley and you cant even see a joint. man this is fun, i am going to be getting some silver wire soon but i figuar i can play with the copper as its cheep. i also found some copper strip that is around .010 thick and i have been cutting strips off that and using it. any good places to get silver bezel wire that is just plane.
 
The Blade magazine onlnie article is the full version of print. There are a couple of photos left out, but you seem to have a good start IMHO.
 
try work hardening the material a bit. Pull it across a rounded corner, like flossing your teeth. Precious metals will work harden a bit and it won't smash up as much when you tap it into the wood.
 
JTknives said:
I went to blade magazines website and they have the wire inlay article posted but i'm wondering if its the full or just a teaser
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Hey J - I'm done with this month's magazine and can ship it to you if you want it. IT's just sitting around the house and will see the recycle bin in a few days.

I'm heading to the post office on Saturday so PM if you want it and I'll ship it out to you.

Your wire inlay looks great for it being your first attempt. It looks to be VERY difficult and tedious. I'd probably set the wood on fire by the time I got around to putting one strand in.

Take care,
Anthony
 
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