Another look and using FIMO clay for inlay.

This small scroll saw trinket box pattern shows the technique of using FIMO clay for an inlay material. I have shown this technique years ago on the blog but thought some of my newer readers migh have missed it. FIMO is a clay that when baked in the oven hardens. The temperature is low and the time is short so the wood can handle the torture. You might get a little warping but we will take care of that when we glue it up. The pattern has all the instructions.

Prepare the patterns and the wood blanks.

Cut the parts and go ahead and glue the inner walls to the bottom.

Now we will get ready to add the inlay. The FIMO clay can be purchased at most craft stores.

The clay needs to be kneaded. Roll it in your hands until it is soft.

Slowly begin to fill the cut outs. You want to make sure they are completely filled. It helps to have a flat hard surface under the board. Check the back as you go to make sure you are getting it filled.

This is a very important step. We are going to over fill the cut outs. We will sand them flush later.

Notice how much I overfilled the cut outs. 

The box is ready for the lid.

Pop the top into the oven. Ovens vary so you may want to experiment on scrap pieces to get the temp and time correct. In my case 265 degrees at 25 minutes works great. Do not place the clay directly on the surface of any thing you every plan to use for cooking. Be careful not to burn the clay. Keep an eye on it. It will stink if you burn it.

After you let the piece cool it will harden.We are ready to sand. This is my sanding setup but use what ever you have available. I'm using my shop vac to keep the dust down. I'm sanding the back in this picture.

Now I'm sanding the front. As you go you will gradually reveal the cutout. 

Keep sanding until it is flush.

Now I'm finished. with the inlay sanding. It's starting to look pretty good don't you think?

The FIMO clay does a pretty good job of staying in place after it hardens but I'm going to super glue on a backer to be extra safe. I'm using a super glue with an accelerator. Get the glue on the inlay and the wood.

I'm applying the accelerator to the backer board.

The backer board is sized to allow the top to slide into place. Make sure it's centered when you put it on the top.

All ready for sanding.

Sand the sides flush.

While you are at the sander round off the corners.

Give everything a final sand. Ease all the edges. Make it feel nice and smooth.

I use a gloss spray acrylic. It makes the grain pop as well as the inlay.

I applied several coats until I was satisfied with the finish. In between coats I lightly sanded the box. 
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