SamirCanada - 1-24-2013 at 08:05 PM
Hello Oud friends,
Could anyone describe to me the technique to inlay a design on a raqma? (Pick guard) I want to inlay my daughter's name in a light color wood on a
cocobolo veneer. I imagine i should use a jeweler hand saw.
Thanks for the tips.
jdowning - 1-25-2013 at 07:17 AM
Hi Samir - the usual method for cutting a close fitting inlay is to place the inlay material over the base material (temporary glue the two layers
together with water soluble glue - such as fish glue- to keep everything in place while cutting).
If necessary for extra reinforcement while cutting the veneers glue the two layers to a paper base
Use a fine jewellers blade. The blade - no matter how fine - will leave a kerf. If the saw is held vertically when cutting the inlay there will be a
gap around the inlay which will then be a loose fit in the finished work - which does not look good.
The trick then is to cut with the saw held at a slight angle so that the wedge shaped inlay will be a perfect close fit in the raqma after the waste
material has been removed.
The attached rough sketch should make this clear.
Practice on some waste material to get the hang of it. Good luck.
SamirCanada - 1-25-2013 at 07:31 AM
Thank you very much for taking the time to draw the picture John,
that makes it much clearer.
I see the value of having a nice scroll saw that keeps the angle even the whole way through. But a decent quality one is over $400. I picked a used
one up for $40 many years ago but it is pretty much useless.
untill then by hand and slowly will have to do. 
FastForward - 1-25-2013 at 07:33 AM
Samir,
Google Boulle marquetry and you'll find tons of relevant information.
Here is a brief intro
http://www.finewoodworking.com/how-to/video/boulle-marquetry-demons...
Ibrahim...
FastForward - 1-25-2013 at 07:40 AM
Here is one with a hand operated fret saw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLD2UAHysjI
jdowning - 1-25-2013 at 08:49 AM
You will find that a jeweller's saw is easier to handle than a fret saw for smaller dimensioned work. Make sure to choose one with an adjustable frame
so that if (or rather when!) you break a blade the frame can be reset to accommodate the broken (and now shorter) blade. These saws were made this way
for good reason!
The attached image shows an adjustable frame type that is best. The 'throat' on this one is 6 cms (2.5 inches) but they do come in larger throat sizes
(4 inch and 6 inch).
Lee Valley do not appear to stock jeweller's saws but you should be able to find a supplier somewhere in Ottawa
SamirCanada - 1-25-2013 at 09:23 AM
Thanks John,
I have one with various size blades blades so I am ready to go.
I will update you guys with my results as soon as I get to it.
The model I have has an additional wing nut on top, presumably to add and remove tension? not sure the real purpose of it.