how to cut an inlayed star

I do a layout with a marking knife and hog out the field with one of these:

http://www.lie-nielsen.com/catalog.php?sku=71

Really easy to work with, very accurate, and quiet!

-- Friends don't let friends use right tilt contractor saws......

I would cut a pattern for my router and use a pattern bit to do most of the work. Then trim out the points with a marking knife and chisel. Can also use the pattern bit to make the star, then it will fit perfectly inside the cleaned out section. Also would make the job easier for the next time.

-- Jim Beachler, Chief Puzzler, http://www.hollowwoodworks.com

I do a LOT of inlays. I do what is called double bevel inlay. I use a scroll saw but I am sure a coping saw would work also. I stack the two woods and cut the image (star) and the background together at an angle and the star will slide into place like a tapered cork does in a bottle.

-- In God We Trust

that double bevel sounds great, i’ll have to give that a shot, thanks

-- "As iron sharpen iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17