First time trying inlay

[182much]

My son is in Cub Scouts and will be getting an Arrow of Light award.
Several parents decided to give the boys an actual arrow, which got me to thinking about how to dispay it. This is what I came up with

http://s267.photobucket.com/albums/ii299/i82much55/

I used African Mahogany for the background, with yellowheart for the inlay and purpleheart for the border. I was trying to stay as close to the colors of the actual badge as possible

[gjat]

This was your first try? That's fantastic! I'm familiar with doing inlays with a template and router, but that limits the squareness of the corners. How did you do yours? The corners and edges look great. How long did it take?

[182much]

inlay

Thanks for the complements
I spent about 20 -30 hours making the template and then made templates for the "plugs" and used a flush trim bit for them.
For the corners, I used a X-acto knife to get them to fit.
I first had to inlay the "rays" which I ran wild, then I routed the arch, which I also ran wild and then did the shaft of the arrow. For the corners I used a x-acto knife to square them up. I gues it took about 6-8 hours for all the plugs, not couting the time waiting for the glue to dry.
The "plugs" were 1/4" thick which I left a little proud so I could sand flush Thanks again Mel

[Pappy]

First or one hndred first, that is some beautiful work! The colors in the woods are great.

I see a lot of future 'requests' from his new Scoutmaster...

[JeffW]

That is truly outstanding !!!!!!

[mater]

That is beautiful work. It shows a lot of talent.

[Black wallnut]

That looks outstanding! I'm sure he will cherish it for years to come!
Be sure to at least sign up as a merit badge counselor for Wood Working MB.

[SARGE..g-47]

That looks good 182. I have never in-laid or veneered in 36 years of scratching away at slabs of wood. Good chace I won't as most of my "Southern White Trash" designs just don't call for them.

Again.. nice work and regards to you and your son for getting the award...

[chopnhack]

Looks great!
Keep posting those finished projects!

[drumpriest]

Looks great, I think you have done a fine job there.

[John Hunter]

Very nice!

[rnelson0]

Great job! I aspire to one day do such a great job on anything when it's my first try.

[Crash2510]

great job you could go pro if thats your first attempt

[lrogers]

I think you just created a heirloom!

[footprintsinconc]

very nice! does not look its the first time!