Hi,
I am working on a special project in which I am using my available materials. Right now that’s Douglas fir and Purpleheart. My question is: Can Purpleheart be safely inlaid into fir without problems caused by the differing shinkage patterns? If so, are there some glueing or prep techniques that might help?
Thanks for whatever help you can offer.
-FG
Replies
Hi FG3000.
Those two woods have different rates of movement. However, since the purpleheart is being used for inlay, I can't imagine that the pieces will be large enough to effect anything. Unless the inlay will include wide or substantial pieces, you don't need to worry about it.
Matt Berger
Fine Woodworking
I was just checking back to see if you had any follow up questions when I realized one tip you might want to keep in mind. Because purpleheart is so much more dense than Doug Fir, you should be very careful when you're preparing the final surface. Sanding will remove the Doug Fir faster than the purpleheart leaving a bumpy surface. Try to use a block plane to level the inlay to the surface before switching to sandpaper.
- Matt
Thanks very much for the help and info. FG
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