Making multiple inlays

[n stephenson]

In a classified add  it was mentioned about making multiple  inlays and getting them the same. A method I have used for making duplicate inlays , is to make a multi layer sandwich , by using contact cement between the pieces. I have done up to six layers while making inlays   for wedges and pins. Glue your pattern to the top. As long as you don't get carried away and, over heat it , this will hold together pretty well. I have put the "stack " in the vise , with moderate pressure to cure. After the desired shape is achieved , a little heat from a propane torch will separate them, then clean off with a little alcohol. This is the simplest method I have found to make duplicates.

[Mike Brooks]

Ditto.

[smart dog]

Hi,
I do this for generic oval escutcheons for barrel keys.  The only word of caution is to make sure you hold your saw and files level so all inlays come out the same size.

dave

[Goo]

I have always had problems with the contact cement slipping from heat and pressure when I tried this method.  From your post it seems you've never experienced this problem, what's the secret to keeping the sheets of metal in their place?    I finally started leaving a tab on my blanks and carefully soldering the tabs using a solder stop to keep solder from flowing between the sheet metal areas on the designs I wanted to utilize.

[Kingsburyarms]

I have put a piece of typing paper (printer paper) between each layer, it absorbs the contact cement, and it creates a tight seal. it also eliminates any chatter if I use the scroll saw (I use thin cardboard on the bottom layer.

Jon

[45-110]

Quick set epoxy works well for the "sandwich" and comes apart with a little heat. i have also used crazy glue to the same affect.
kw

[Mike Brooks]

Quick set epoxy works well for the "sandwich" and comes apart with a little heat. i have also used crazy glue to the same affect.
kw

Ditto

[flehto]

I use super glue which at 250 degrees no longer sticks the parts. ....Fred

[deepcreekdale]

I use either the crazy glue method or sometimes double stick tape if the pieces are a little bit larger. Keep the tape away from the edges though so you don't gum up the teeth of the saw blade. I also don't worry about heating the crazy glue, although that works fine, just a sharp tap will usually separate the parts if you hit one piece to the side. Super glue is very strong in tension but has very weak shear strength. After cutting them out with the jewelers saw, I clean them up while still glued or taped together with jewelers files so they are identical.

[David Price]

I tried stacking them  a couple of times and found that it was very hard to saw six pieces at a time.
I draw the design on a piece of paper, put it in the copy machine and make duplicate copies.  I then cut them out with the seissors leaving extra paper .  In other words not cutting rate to the line.  I then glue them to the metal and cut them out with the jewelers saw and then file them to final shape.  They finish up very close to each other.

David Price