This is my first attempt at inlay.

During the Vietnam era I spent 4 years in the Navy. I never got a tattoo. My youngest son who is in his 30s has several. One is the Eye Of Horus. I wanted to try this design as an inlay. Eventually, what I created will probably become something else like a box lid. We'll see.

Step 1: TOOLS

Basically, I used the scroll saw. The miter saw was only used to cut wood into manageable sizes. The mallet was used to drive home the inlay. The sanding station was a big time saver from hand sanding everything.

Step 2: MATERIALS

I found a piece of 1/2" oak ( 5.5 x 11.75) left over from the chess board and box I made. The purple wood (most likely called purple heart?) was from a box of hardwood cut offs gifted to me by the tattooed son for father's day.

Step 3: PREPARING THE IMAGE FOR SCROLLING

I glued the image on the oak and the copies of the image on the purple heart. I drilled holes through which to feed the scroll saw blade for interior cuts. Yes, I over drilled holes. I only needed one per section.

Step 4: CUTTING THE OAK FIRST

I decided to cut the background first. I cut away all the image and left the void. Then I sanded off the paper. Ok, so far.

NOTE: My best advice to those attempting scroll saw work is to cut slowly. Very, very slowly. Luckily, I've got that type of personality that enjoys detailed work.

Step 5: CUTTING OUT THE IMAGE

Not one piece fit perfectly. So, more meticulous work gently sanding each piece until it fit. Yes, the pieces were delicate. Yes, one did snap. Yes, I praised the glue gods for giving me the means to reattach it.

Step 6: GLUING AND SANDING

After gluing the pieces in the voids I notices gaps. I mixed sawdust with glue and filled them. Then gave it a thorough sanding.

Step 7: TUNG OIL FINISH

I DID MAKE IT INTO A COVER FOR A GIT BOX I finished with Tung Oil and set it aside to await the net step in it's life.

Step 8: THANKS FOR STOPPING BY

I hope you enjoyed this Instructable as much as I did creating this inlay. This was my second scroll saw project and cutting was easier -- as is the case with any repetitive task. It has given me a true admiration for those adept at inlay and marquetry. And, as usual, all comments are welcome and all questions are answered.

KJ