Metal Inlays

[Gabe Nickelson]

Anyone tried using silver inlays? I know this was done with the Tony Iommi signature SG with the cross inlays.

So I guess my question would be where do you find an alloy that would be ideal for cutting and has the proper thickness, yet won't tarnish?

Gabe

[Brian]

Actuually I can do it with real silver problem is it will tarnish unless coated

I use dental silver with an amalgomator I got really cheap off of Ebay a few years back.

The process still isn't cheap though..........

[Clavin]

Any metal will eventually tarnish. It's part of what metals do. Keeping them clean and going over them lightly with a very high grit sandpaper, or micromesh will clean them off, and not remove much material at all except for the tarnish.
Using amalgum is difficult because it will fill to the rout, which better be perfect or the edges wil look off. It's WAY better to cut out of silver sheet, and then proceed as normal. Silver is available in sheet form in varying thicknesses at alost any jeweler supply.
Just be careful when sanding it to not go too long, as it will heat up and rise up, and could potentially sand through. This happens more with bezel with anything, but sheet does heat up significantly enough to lift. I always take small pauses during sanding metals, then check the temperature with my wrist, only starting once it cools down again.
C. Lavin

[Maiden69]

One tough that Ihad of this was if it was possible to make the inlay in say cooper, then glue it to the bottom with some regular wood glue, radius the fretboard, thne just heat it up or steam the inlays carefuly and remove them, sent to get chromed or powder coated, after lightly filing the back (chrome kinda builds up on the piece) and once done epoxy it to the neck. Brian, C.Lavin, would this work?

[daveq]

I have two guitars with silver inlay (sterling silver). I love it.

[Clavin]

Regarding the idea of steaming out an inlay- and re-gluing it in powder coated.


Any inlay has to be sanded down with whatever glue or slight fill surrounding it to be installed properly. You'll have gaps in the wood after you try to re-glue it in, and you'll have to level the glue, and sand away the coating. The coating will wear away with play anyway, even if you manage to work it out half well.

You need to decide what color the inlay needs to be, find the material you want it out of, and inlay it properly. Inlay has been around for centuries. There is always room for artistic growth, and new techniques with regard to materials, etc.. but the basic fundamental proper methods for installation have been rooted in stone for decades.
Silver is the least tarnishing metal that doesn't cost a fortune. Gold is very expensive as sheet.
Craig

www.handcraftinlay.com