Customer Reviews

Art of the Inlay - Design & Technique for Fine Woodworking - Second Edition (Softcover)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Covers the basics, including cutting inlay pieces, comments on materials, tools, process, etc. Although I personally found the organization of the book a little disjointed, it's a small book and finding things isn't difficult. The pictures are excellent and support the text. There are some minor errors (such as the author mentioning he uses a Foredom tool when the picture shows a Dremel), but nothing that really detracts.

The book fundamentally presents inlay as an elaboration of tracing. As another reviewer pointed out, the book is light on design - in fact, the author makes a point of mentioning that drawing & design aren't his strong points. It also only touches very lightly on engraving (i.e., engraving of detail on inlay pieces), and not at all on related techniques such as shading and burning. Instead, the author emphasizes material - primarily shell - selection and orientation.

I bought this book to give me some insight into doing inlays for a custom build I currently have underway. I give 4 stars rather than 5 just due to the tecnical descriptions being a little lighter than expected. The provided examples of inlays however is overwhelming! Some truly incredible and inspiring works shown in full color pictures. Back to the tecnical discussion, the methods required to do this are covered and I suppose the "briefness" really leans toward the fact that hands-on is so much more of this than the theory. The author gives the required info for one to then sit down and go hands-on. I do recommend this book for anyone seriously planning to get hands-on with inlay work.

I didn't have any formal background or knowledge of inlay. This book went through the fundamentals and gave good insight on what to start with and little tricks of the trade. I recommend this book for the beginner.

I originally bought this for a friend for christmas. After having to ask him if I could borrow it all the time I bought my own. It has great pictures and very complete instruction on the process of inlaying. Having done a few pearl inlays on various instruments I found it very useful. As always though..... practise makes perfect...

This is undoubtedly an inspirational book. However, it lacks much detail for the studnet, interested in learning wood inlay. It doesn't move beyond the basics of cutting inlays and so farth. Anyone can figure that much out. If you want a complete book for inlaying, look elsewhere; if you're interested in the work of Larry Robinson, then look no farther.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for exquisite inlays in wood. The pictures worth it, trust me. Good shoots of very nice work, of different styles. The book also cover how to cut pearl (and also other materials) and inlay by your own, showing tools of the trade and sources of drawings and information. Delight it!

I received the book and have found it very helpful. I am considering doing my own inlay on a guitar I am making. This will be most helpful.

Outstanding book on the subject of the art of inlay. Spectacular cover shot of the Martin.

Easy read, plenty of ideas, Understable and descriptive. Explains the art clearly from tools to materials and ways to produce art for final work.
You will finish with a good understanding.

A beautiful display of unbelievable work that few of us would even attempt. Only the basics on "how to". But maybe that's all there is to it; hours and hours of tedium.