how do i cut an inlay?

[tomsteve]

hey all- hope all ya'll are doin good today. i have a project here im certain the technique has been discussed here but cant seem to find the right search terms.

i have to cut the center of these sunbursts out as set a sun in them, which the sun will be cut for the osage orange sitting on top in one of the pics. since i can only cut an almost perfect circle, i want to tilt the head on my saw(excalibur), stack, and cut so the sun will drop right in. ive done this before but that was quite  a few years ago so i dont remember what angle to set the saw at and if the osage orange sits on top or bottom when cutting.

is anyone able to direct me to a write up or video?

[Roberta Moreton]

I have done inlay some. The angle depends on wood thickness, blade etc. 

The wood being on top or bottom depends on if you cut clockwise or counterclockwise.  I always use scraps of the actual project to test after I get close. Steve good has videos on YouTube for this.   Hope I helped a little. 

[OCtoolguy]

Roberta has given you good advice. A couple of test cuts will be necessary to determine the table/head tilt angle. I would try to "drop" the sun down into the background. I did this as my first attempt at inlay. I don't recall the angle of cut. My material was 1/2" thick if I recall. There is a good video done by Dave Monk on the resources I think. I know it's up there somewhere. Yes, I just looked and it's under "resources". He explains it very clearly.

Edited January 11, 2021 by octoolguy

[Dave Monk]

How thick is the wood?

[tomsteve]

On 1/11/2021 at 3:16 PM, Roberta Moreton said:

I have done inlay some. The angle depends on wood thickness, blade etc. 

The wood being on top or bottom depends on if you cut clockwise or counterclockwise.  I always use scraps of the actual project to test after I get close. Steve good has videos on YouTube for this.   Hope I helped a little. 

thank you!!! i tested a few and got it good before going at it buuuuut determined i cant cut a good enough circle. sooooo, onto plan B

[Jim Finn]

do a search for "Double Bevel Inlay" Or Marquetry.  As a starting point for the angle I use two 3/8" woods and cut at about 2 degrees I put the piece to be inlayed under the other wood.  Trial and error with scraps will give you the right angle.  

Edited January 17, 2021 by Jim Finn