Serving Tray #1: 1st Blog

I started this project because I needed something to keep me busy until I decided on my next big project. I got the initial idea of doing a serving tray from the summer contest, not because I thought I could win but because it would give me something to do and also allow me to challenge myself.

The bottom is a glued up panel of soft maple with a 1/8” walnut inlay of walnut. I cut the inlay out using the router with a 1/8” bit held free hand cutting close to the line and then chiseling out the remaining material along the line.

To help set it of and get some practice inlaying square silver wire I am going to inlay a peice of 22 g square silver wire around the edge. I had a little trouble initially getting the wire to fit snugly but after a couple of attempts it is staring to go in much easier. To make the channel tha holds the wire I cut of a peice of an old hacksaw blade and gound it down on a wheel to get it to match the size of the wire. Once the channel is cut is spread a little dab of yellow glue mixed with water to hold it in place.!IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/gigantius/IMG_5927copy.jpg[/IMG](2)!:

!IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/gigantius/IMG_5932copy.jpg[/IMG](3)!:
The sides were mide with some bubunga I had laying around. I mitered the corners and then added some maple keys. The two outside keys were made with the blade tilted at 15 degrees to give a unique look. I am thinking it might look better if I add another one outside of these near the edge at ~20-25 degrees, but I haven’t decided for sure

![IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e166/gigantius/IMG_5928copy.jpg[/IMG](4)!:

Now I need to finish the handles, edge profile on the sides and finish it but that will have to wait until I get back from my fishing trip so I won’t be finishing in time for the contest anyway. All comments and suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks for looking

-- Glenn, New Mexico