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This was my first attempt at using the marquetry window method and knife. Not as easy as some make it look. After completing the marquetry, even though it has a lot of flaws, I went ahead and put it on the lid of this small box. Not sure what I will do with the box but I am relatively sure I will stick to my saw for doing my marquetry. I do want to thank Paul (Shipwright) for his post that encouraged me to try a different method. Although the window method was more difficult, I learned a lot. I may have to venture into one of the other methods.

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Beautiful piece. Very very nice.
 

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Looks great from here John. That is a beautiful box and wonderful looking marquetry. For the unknowing (me for example), what is window marquetry versus say how you did the lion on your yo-yo chest?
 

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John,

You are far to modest, it looks great to me. I am not sure I would even try the window method. I had a hard enough time doing it with your saw!!!!
 

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Wonderful work on this beautiful lid and also the box.

It is my understanding that American veneers are a bit thicker than those sold in England where they use mostly knives to do their marquetry. My marquetry books says that's why the Americans mostly use saws.
 

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Jykaypur - Thanks for the kind words.

Lenny - With the window method you cut out the shape in the main veneer using a sharp knife. You then use the opening (window) as a pattern by placing it over the veneer to be inlayed and cutting the shape into the veneer to be used as the inlayed piece. With my saw, you cut both the base veneer and the inlay veneer at the same time which results in near perfect fit. Hope this makes sense.

Max - Thanks, I thought you did great with the saw.

Mike - You may be right. Never thought of it from that perspective. However, the guy that showed me how to do marquetry with a knife uses American veneers and does outstanding work. But then again he learned in England and has been doing it for 30+ years. I guess practice does count.
 

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Looks mighty dang awesome to me.. Nicely done
 

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Nice work John.
I know what you mean about knife work. I stay away as much as possible.
You have a great little saw there and you do very good work with it and while it's great to see you trying new stuff, I think you may get more satisfaction and less grief trying some of the other saw techniques.

Anyway Bravo! for challenging yourself.
 

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Absolutely beautiful-outstanding work!
 

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Great job, John.

Lee
 

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Hi John,

You did a great job for the first time. I really like using the window method on circle and elliptical shapes because it's easier to keep a straight line, vs using a scroll saw. Keep up the great workmanship!!!
 

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Paul - Thanks you are always so encouraging. I plan on trying new techniques. Just need to find the time.

John C. - Thanks for the kind words.

Lee - Thanks a lot.

Dennis - Thanks for the comments. Looking at your projects, I have a long way to go.
 

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Beautiful job. I have a marquetry starter kit that I'm afraid to touch. I think I'll give it a try now. Thanks.
 

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Great job. Thanks for posting this piece. Iy inspires me to give it a try. Nice work.
 

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Like all your other projects it's beautiful. Excellent combination of artistry and craftsmanship.
 

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Great work!
 

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Question, I've been reading about marquetry and inlay techniques but i cant seem to figure out how to inlay a compex figure like that beautiful rose into a thick wood like you've done. Obviously a router would be too clunky for a figure like that, so it must be by hand. I'm struggling with the technique though. Does anyone have any reference material, or an issue of FWW to refer to? i'm stumped and i'd really like to try this on my next box.
 

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Nice box,amaizing marquetry.
 
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