Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay


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RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

First coat.  Just want to show the different colors.

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Hey that inlay looks good Kim.

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Ogata (eric)

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

very cool inlay, would like some details on how you did it?  I'm thinking that would be perfect for my wife's Woodduck...

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Dremel with a router attachment.

#6 ground wire I believe.  1/8" solder.  I prefer the lead free.  Just a phobia on sanding lead.  Nickel is good wire to work with too.

Bent the wire to my template.  Trace the bent wire to a scrap piece of plywood.  Route out the trace to a depth at least 50% or so of wire thickness.  Tap the wire or super glue the wire into the routed groove.  Sand down the wire flush.  Remove and transfer to your yak.  I super glued the finish wire inlays to the inlay groove and did more sanding.  Final step get some 600 grit or whatever you like to buff. 

I was afraid routing out big grooves like that would weaken the deck.  I took a 3 mil piece of okoume and glued it under the deck opposite the inlay.  I used a hydraulic floor jack and some shims to force the brace into position.

Thanks for the compliment.  I am just getting into this inlay stuff.  My first thoughts were gold and silver.  Kinda hard to work with in such thin leaf.  I really like the copper.   riogrande.com if you want nickel wire.  They also have square copper wire in smaller gage. 

Kim

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Whooooooooaaaaaaa!!!!

I forgot one tip.  Big tip. On my practice pieces, the shiny metal will cause the glass cloth to show quite well.  Only way I saw around this is to lay your cloth and 1st coat of epoxy. When it has cured, then route out the inlay.  This is the reason why I used practice plywood to sand the wires. 

Kim

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Nice job on your inlay! Nice to see others doing this. I like the solder and the template idea. I usually freehand the routing with a dremel tool with a custom base I made for it. A template seems less scary!

Here's a pic of the first inlay I did on a kayak, a few years ago. Nowadays I mostly build SOF kayaks, and can only put in inlay on the cockpit rim. Not as satisfying!

Anyway, your bike (and boat) looks great!

Dave GentryNorth Bay bow inlay

 

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Not sure if template was a good word for me to use.  I just trace from the drawing to the wood using carbon paper.  I don't have free hand drawing talent. 

I like what you did.  As I said earlier I am just getting into the copper.  Lots of stuff to try yet.  Soon as I learn to cut copper sheets easily that will open up a lot of things.

Thanks

Kim

 

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

Nice touch, Kim!   May we assume your bike has a design of a kayak on it somewhere?

Wordsmith

RE: Finally varnishing CLT 17/ copper and solder inlay

I had 3 kayaks and wanted to build more.  Yes, a dilemma.  I had the idea to build another and donate it to a charity auction.  But soon after the build started, a buddy I let use my Duck last summer, bought the new build.   He is the owner of the local bike shop.  Hence the bicycle theme.  I also did a decoupage on each side, of his shop logo.  All is coming out well.  He gets a yak at a great price.  I gave a couple hundred to the Sandusky Sailing club Jr. Sailing Team and I got some therapy. 

I also got a great deal on a recumbent bicycle which will renew my enjoyment of pedaling.

Also thanks again to John for a break on the plans for charity.

Thanks

Kim

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