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My methods are not complicated. The ones on this cane are basically done with forstner bits to drill about 1/4 inch into the cane and I used a set of plug cutters to cut walnut plugs.

On other items that are not round, I use a dremel cutter in my drill press to cut the inset then shape the inlay on my belt sander. I epoxy the inlays in. Maybe I'll do a "how to" next time I start one.

I'm definitely going to give that a go, sometime in the near future. I have the (cheap) drill press and the forstner bits, now all I need is a few chunks of pretty hardwood and some plug cutters. Thanks Bill!

Vance

 

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You could also use various sizes of existing walnut dowel rod as well, if you did not have the plug cutter available. You would be locked into certain sizes, but it would certainly work. Lewey, it looks like you are using brass rod too; is that what I am seeing? Have you ever tried inlaying soapstone? I ask because it is so easy to work. Another one is red Catlinite - also very easy to work; looks blood red, maybe a little darker once oiled / finished.

Thanks Shawn. I learn something every day. Questions:

1. When using relatively soft materials such as soapstone and catlinite, should you coat the surface with something like epoxy that will also scratch, but which can be buffed without losing the material of interest?
2. Have you used water buffalo horn, and if so what do you think about the result?

The dowel idea is a possibility for lazy boys like me.

 

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Shawn, how is your hand injury healing? I hope it is much better!