What do you want to know about Intarsia?

[Janette]

Judging by the postings in this section there are quite a few of you that are interested in intarsia but haven't actually tried it yet - or have done segmentation and just might be pursueded to take that next step to intarsia. Well there's no time like the present!

What do you want to know? What's keeping you from jumping into the wonderful, addictive world of Intarsia? I'm happy to try to answer any questions you might have. That's why I'm here (and hopefully to learn something too!).

[BobD (Archive)]

Hey! I HOPE you're not implying that segmentation is like intarsia for beginners. Oh no you did not!!!! (imagine me snapping my fingers here like a bad episode of In Living Color). Talk to the hand!!! LOL...

I'm writing this (with my tongue firmly in my cheek) just to make sure everyone understands that both arts are equally respected! They have so much in common that there is a lot of grey area between them (but for as much as they have in common, they have a lot of differences).

Sorry for the small hijacking of the thread (can that statement be any more oxymoronic...small hijaking...does that happen when the co-pilot of a two-seat plane decides to take control from the pilot...anyway). I know there is a debate between purists in both art forms, and I've seen things escalate in other places...and I wanted to head that off early!!!

Bob

[Neal Moore]

No harm, no foul Bobcat!! I'm sure everyone understands Janette's intent. Simply an invitation to to try something different. The processes involved in intarsia and segmentation are in fact quite similar so I personally enjoy doing intarsia but my passion will always be segmentation. That's not to say one is "better" than the other...just personal preference in how one expresses what they see and incorporate in a design.

[Gill]

As a scroller who produces segmented work by and large, I'm also curious to learn more about intarsia and I should imagine I'll ask some very basic questions in due course. Right now, however, I'm snowed under with segmentation projects.

Janette, would it be possible for you to write or copy a basic guide to intarsia and post it as a locked 'sticky' on this forum which you (and only you) could update as conversations progress and new knowledge is shared?

By the way, I believe there are rare times when intarsia might actually be an easier option than segmentation. Looking at Toni and Sue's "Aries" pattern has led me to this conclusion because of the tightness of some of the angles. When you make a mistake in intarsia, you've got the option of discarding your mistake and cutting it again. You can't do that with segmentation unless the project will be painted afterwards.

I've got enormous respect for intarsians and I suspect that most have a respect for segmenters too. There's room for us all here and we'll learn from each other, if we're wise.

Gill

[Mackem]

If you were to do both intarsia and segmentation would you be known as an intarsegmenter? or a segmintarse?

[PuzzledMoose]

I want to know how anyone gets to enjoy sanding ..lol

[BobD (Archive)]

I've got the same question as Ian...only I'm serious! I HATE sanding...and one of the reasons I've stayed away from Intarsia is that, at least in my perception, there is a lot of sanding involved...can anyone comment on that???

Bob

[Dusty Buffalo]

I want to know how anyone gets to enjoy sanding ..lol

Ian,

I LOVE sanding. I find it very relaxing for one. And I love to take a piece of flat wood and just by sanding, round off those hard edges and make the wood flow. I also love the feel of the wood as you go from a somewhat rough surface, depending on your piece, and make it so it feels as smooth as a sheet of glass.

Not only that, but if I'm hand sanding, I can take out all of my frustrations on that piece of wood and still have something wonderful at the end.

p.s. This is my 300th post. Woo Hoo

[Jediscroller]

I've got the same question as Ian...only I'm serious! I HATE sanding...and one of the reasons I've stayed away from Intarsia is that, at least in my perception, there is a lot of sanding involved...can anyone comment on that???

Bob

Yep, I can. There's a ton of sanding and shaping and sanding and shaping and sanding and shaping. Did I mention that there's a ton of sanding and shaping?
It's why I've only done a couple of intarsia/segmentation projects. Like you, there's few things I get more bored more quickly with than sanding. I will probably do an occasional piece as it is nice to have a variety to offer my customers but it's more than likely fretwork will always be my first choice when working with the scrollsaw.

[BobD (Archive)]

I've actually been thinking of ways that I can use my carving tools to cut down on the sanding...a sharp gouge is wonderful for rounding over corners...I just haven't had time to experiment...

Bob

[Gill]

A sharp carving knife certainly works well on some of the finer edges that I round over.

I have used a Dremel mounted in a router table for rounding over large pieces very effectively, but lately I've changed my technique. Now I cut a strip of coarse grit abrasive roll and back it with a strip of medium grit so that both abrasive strips face away from each other. Both strips are screwed into the clamps of a hand-held fretsaw frame which I then use to do the shaping. There's less chance of seeing fine wood splintered by a router cutter ...and it's fast!

I used to sand flimsy pieces by hand but using the frame has probably increased my speed ten-fold. Now I only finish-sand by hand.

Gill

[PuzzledMoose]

I've got the same question as Ian...only I'm serious!

Bob

I was serious too, Bob ...

[Janette]

I'll let you know if I ever do! I have to get myself in the right mood for sanding (or "shaping" as some prefer ). I can cut all day tho! Believe it or not, there are some people who actually prefer the shaping and sanding to the cutting. I haven't figured that one out yet! The best part is putting on that coat of finish and watching all the colors pop out - and hopefully be what you were expecting.

I want to know how anyone gets to enjoy sanding ..lol

[BobD (Archive)]

Ian...I was referring to the "LOL" you put at the end of your post...sorry if I misunderstood!

I agree, Janette...I love cutting, but I don't like to apply a finish, or sand...

That's why I make more projects when I have deadlines...that way I can force myself to finish them...

Bob

[intarsiabill]

Hello everyone, I have a section on "how to" on my home page that will give you an Idea on how to contour a piece of intarsia. The link can be found to my homepage on my users profile, please take a look it is under how we do it and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability.

Bill