I have been having problems getting inlay matrerial to stay flush with the surface after finishing. I’m Using the same speices for both the inlay material and the project surface and often times out of the same board. I make my own inlays, usually 1/8 thick, glue them in and give it a couple days then sand smooth, oil stain, and several coats of wipe on polly. Right after finishing everything is perfect. However in a month or so the inlay surface shrinks away from the project surface leaving a noticeable indentation. Not from the sides, just the top. Figure it must be a moisture problem but not sure what to do. Thanks Dick
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Replies
The culprit is probably the glue you are using, which swells the inlay and then days later it evaporates out and the inlay shrinks away gradually. Look for alternative adhesive and use as little as really necessary.
DR
Tip,
I agree with Ring -- the glue is the culprit. Some people like to saturate a joint with glue whereas I, like many others, prefer to use only what is necessary to hold the joint together. The glue that squeezes out of a joint does nothing to help hold it together.
When I've done inlay strips, I smear a small amount of glue in the groove, then wipe most of it away before placing the inlay. I put no glue on the inlay itself.
Regards,
Bill Arnold - Custom Woodcrafting
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Dick I use a tiny bead of epoxy for my inlays.
Regards,
Scooter
"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
An additional word about adhesives - I haven't done much inlay lately, but in the past used epoxy with good results. Alternatively, you could stay with the Titebond, using as little as necessary, and wait a week before you sand and finish.
DR
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