Ancient and Modern Tools Used in Marquetry
As a decorative art form, Marquetry has been around for a long time. Wood based veneers are used quite a bit in the creation of unique designs. Veneers of different colors and textures are made from these woods.
The veneers are then fashioned into varying shapes and sizes. Original designs created on the surface of wooden objects are then filled in with these veneer slices. Jewelry boxes, wall paintings, curios and the like are the items largely done in Marquetry.
Marquetry is labor-intensive, yet the final product is well worth waiting for. There are various tools used in Marquetry and they depend on the kind of wood you are using, the techniques and the size of the veneers you are utilizing. Tools of ancient times have evolved a great deal to make way for those that are more accurate.
First making its appearance in French workshops is the ‘Chevalet de Marqueterie’ or the Marquetry Donkey. Woodcraftsmen who worked with this tool could do some real fine precision cutting with it. This tool was a saw frame that could be operated by hand and could give lines as delicate as a 10th of a millimeter wide.
Ecole Boulle in Paris still uses this Marquetry Donkey. Students are taught the French method of Marquetry with this. The most important plus point with this tool is that you can work long hours on it comfortably.
The Ecole Boulle also uses the overhead jigsaw to teach its students. This has a leather belt that can cut up to a 180 strokes a minute. This is great for large projects going up to 5 ft and more.
It is perfect for accurate work on heavy veneer packets and metals. Marquetry made by hand is still quite the preference in present times. The basic tools used are knives and you can choose yours depending on the kind of project you are working on.
With a pencil like look, the X-acto knife is a good one and comes with a knurled sleeve. You can build up your collection of knives with time and depending on the projects you work on.
A collection of blades is essential for beginners in Marquetry. You will need blade #11 as the most basic of them for when you get started. Sharpening stones will help you get them ready again when they go blunt.
Another option is to buy packets of blades in bulk and replace them as you use them. You will also need cutting boards made of plywood. The most preferred option is beach plywood.
Pine and oak are, according to most artisans, too hard to be used. If you are working on pictorial Marquetry, a particle board is essential. Of late, the medium dense fiber (MDF) board is opted for.
For some advanced Marquetry, tools like the green board are needed on which to cut long slivers of veneer. Hand rollers are also needed to press down veneers after they have been glued to a surface. A few woodworkers opt for a rotary palm held sander that will help smoothen the surface of an image.
This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes show unique wood grain patterns and colors assembled into beautiful designs of breathtaking beauty. A fine addition to your dressing table or as a gift. Please visit http://www.marqartgiftshop.com to browse & buy exotic marqart jewelry boxes that will give you a lifetime of pleasure!