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Introduction

As I attend scroll saw picnics, meet fellow scrollers, or converse on the Internet. 1 am hearing a recurring theme: "I want to know more about intarsia." These folks range from the novice to the professional and everyone in between.

Traditionally, instruction has been provided by means of books, videos, and now there are even some schools available. By and large, these are very good learning formats. Sometimes, however, they can prove to be inaccessible or may not fit into one's busy schedule. They can also be unaffordable to many of us.

With all this in mind, we have decided that a little "Intarsia Talk" might be just the ticket to inspire our readers to take more of an interest in this wonderful art form. In the coming issues, we hope to provide a common sense approach to benefit everyone with in-depth articles on the basics, tips, alternative methods. and products available to help us improve.

Whether it is your first project or you spit them out on the assembly line, we endeavor to make this an informative, interesting, and intriguing series of articles and look forward to your comments.

What is intarsia?

Intarsia is an ancient art form in which an artisan makes a mosaic of various woods that are cut, fitted, and glued together. It can often encompass the basics of segmentation, inlay, sculpture, and/or carving. When completed in its true form of using natural woods, a distinctively striking product emerges that is unique in the world of artistry.

In the last twenty-five years or so. the pioneers of this hobby have resurrected and transformed intarsia from a lost art form into an increasingly popular woodworking style. Judy Gayle Roberts, Robert Hlavacek, and Garnet Hall and other fine design ers have set the standards, added dimension to our projects, provided designs, and shown us the way. So let's get started!

Can I do this?

Anyone who enjoys and can use a scroll saw can make intarsia. There are three traits that exist in each one of us that, when exercised, can lead to success: imagination, patience, and determination.

Albert Einstein once wrote something to the effect of: "Imagination is more important than knowledge!" Imagination is a vision as seen only by you. It is your eyes, your voice and your soul. It can help you to create a technique (in a relative short period of time) that will be as distinctive as your fingerprint.

Patience is merely a matter of not getting in a hurry! A nice, slow approach is a key. Relaxation is what this is all about. Concentration will allow you to forget your troubles, if only for a while.

As far as determination goes, as Emeril Lagasse says: "Hey, this is not rocket science." This is scrolling! You can do this. Just remember one thing: if a piece does not fit, throw it away and cut a new piece. Simple as that, and certainly no big deal.

What do I need?

First and foremost, you need a space. Tt can be a workshop, a garage, or a patio. It can be large or small. But it must be out of the elements to protect your wood.

Some woods produce dust that causes allergies or may even be carcinogenic. Aerosols and finishing materials arc both hazardous and flammable. You must consider the amount of dust produced and the fumes from the use of finishing materials; therefore, good ventilation and the use of safety equipment is an absolute necessity. The range and extent of protection is a personal preference (when it comes to both logistical as well as monetary considerations). At the very least, though, put on that fan and don that dust mask!

In the most basic sense, in terms of equipment, all that is required to make intarsia is a scroll saw to cut the wood, sandpaper to smooth and contour the wood, and clamps to glue the pieces together. With that said, the next statement is: "The more gadgets you have, the easier your life will be." This is especially the case for sanding and shaping.

The bottom line is: do your own thing with what you have available and have fun. I have shop-made several of these things. I have also found used items for sale in the newspaper and at garage sales for a fraction of the cost of new equipment. As time goes by and you progress, you may opt to purchase a so-called non-essential tool that may help you improve your skill or save time.

In this issue we will talk about some of the tools encountered with intarsia. In future issues wc hope to provide articles on the following: wood selection; dust control and safety equipment: patterns; cutting; sanding and contouring; gluing; finishing; trouble-shooting projects; and intarsia tips and aids.

Tools

If you are presently a scroller or a woodworker, chances are you may have most of the equipment necessary to make intarsia. The following is a list of what I see in most of the shops 1 visit and hear from most of the people I talk to:

• Scroll saw

• Drill press (free standing or desktop)

• Small thickness planer

• Various sanding applications: block and/or bow sander; oscillating spindle sander; pneumatic drum sander; palm/finish sander; flapper wheel sanding discs

• Small shadow box

• Rotary tool with a flex-shaft and attachments

• Clamps of various types and sizes

Saws

The cutting of wood is the first thing we consider when we talk about necessary tools. The scroll saw is by far the most popular tool chosen for this purpose. T do, however, know people who incorporate the use of a band saw instead.

The band saw armed with a 1/16" or a 1/8" skip-toothed blade provides the means to quickly cut larger and harder pieces

by Larry Gcodwir,