The Inlay Process

I am constantly asked about how inlay work is done so I thought I would include a few pictures of the process.

Below is a rough outline of the process. It sometimes varies according to the project but You’ll get the idea
  • Artwork is created and vectorized so it can be scaled to the project
  • Once scaled art is printed on paper.  Sometimes many pages
  • Paper is glued to shell or other material so it can be cut with a jewelers saw or other tool
  • Once pieces are cut they are laid out on the piece to be inlaid and scribed with a needle or scalpel   
  • Pockets are then routed and pieces are glued in with colored epoxy
  • Once the inlay is level sanded as needed, pieces can be engraved as required.
  • The engraved lines are then filled with the appropriate colors