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Silver Inlay


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Hi,
I'm pretty new around here, and really new to silversmithing (still just a romantic idea in my head). I've got an idea for a wood carving that I'd like to make and do a silver inlay. As I've never worked with silver before I have no idea where to begin, either in general or for this specific project. Any help is appreciated.

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Solid silver inlay, or wire?

Wire is harder than the solid pieces in my opinion, but neither is impossible.
It all depends on how fine you want it to be. The inlays on pool cues and such things are incredibly intricate and generally require special equipment. Larger inlays can be done with chisels and a whole lot of patience. Wire inlay (should really be called ribbon inlay, 'cause that's what you actually put in the wood) requires that you cut a groove in the wood, usually with an x-acto knife and gently tap the ribbon into the wood in some kind of interesting curve.

The trick for all of them is to make the cutout exactly the same size, or sometimes even a hair smaller than the inlay you want to put in. Wood can be convinced to move a bit around the silver. The inlay should stand taller than the surrounding wood in all cases when put in. You file, or sand it flush with the wood when you finish it.

There are some awesome books on the subject. Look at guitar or other musical instrument inlay. You should be able to find books on the subject. The last one I looked at (" the art of inlay" I think) was an exceptional read.

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