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    Shop Tips

    Workshop tip: Handy little press for inlay

    A press screw and a plywood box keeps paterae flat in batches.

    #290-July/Aug 2021 Issue
    Article Image

    When making paterae inlay, I usually end up with clamped blocks all over the shop floor. If you don’t clamp these small veneer patterns flat, they turn into potato chips before you have a chance to use them. Also, I make paterae in batches, and always have extras to store. So I used a press screw from Pony Tools to make this small device for keeping them all flat. To separate individual pieces or groups, I insert melamine spacers.

    —JIM SHAPIRO, San Francisco

    Illustrations by Dan Thornton
    From Fine Woodworking issue #290


    Introduction to Wood Veneering

    Learn the basics of how to veneer wood in this three-part video series

    Six Steps to a Perfect Inlay

    A little glue, a sharp knife and a minirouter make inlaying easy

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