Charlie James

Bill, Ha, I knew the answer to that one already! The medallion’s are a focal point, look good and you get to make something nice. I pick my plywood up at Rosenzweig’s but you can probably get it at Robert’s. If you make a circle cutting jig you’d be fine. Use the same jig and same size bits for cutting out and making the inlay. If you want, you can glue a very thin piece of veneer on the inside of the jig and place a tic mark on the router and jig so it’s exactly the same.It may complicate the fit if the thickness isn’t exactly the same as the flooring though.

Bill, I know the answer already but did you think about buying one? They aren’t really that expensive to order. I know, I know but I had to ask that… If you come close to the right thickness you can glue the medallion in then finish it off with an orbital sander. The large flooring machines will tear your carefully made inlay! You might think about cutting the floor out with the router on a (very) slight inward angle and match the inlay to it. It’s not a piece of furniture but why not go for a perfect fit!

Bill, I’ll write more when I wake up but I’d stay away from purpleheart, it fades quickly and turns gray when exposed to light, especially direct sunlight! Use a few router bits that you don’t care about because you’ll surely hit a nail. Use 1/2″ 9 ply birch plywood, it comes in 5’X 5′ sheets. It is quality ply and won’t fail on you unless you find it at a home center…More later…

Joe, haven’t rented a bus in quite a while, I didn’t think it was that much! Isn’t it still $5 for a movie ticket or .99 cents for an album at Korvettes? You’re right, Fuggetaboutit!

That’s too bad. There’s plenty of bread in the account why not just go for it anyway? The people that want to take advantage can spread out…

Very sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of the members you could count on being at every meeting or seminar with well thought out questions and if asked, well thought out answers. He’ll be missed..

I agree with Daryl and Mike. Stay away, cheap tools are usually just cheaply made tools.

I know that contact cement can be fickle but it seems you got it right. Congratulations on a job well done…

Roger, Very nice, beautiful work! As Joe says, wood choice is spot on, especially for this design. I like the back being done as well with the modesty panel. Not one mistake, at least until we pore over it at the show!!!!

Roger, I neglected to mention that the water based contact cement is not as strong as the one that requires ventilation. It is very explosive so It’s good you’re doing it away from the house. Joe, you’re right, I do love it….As far as the desk loving it, I don’t know but so far, no marks. I guess it helped that I put ten coats of varnish on it!