Modern History Libya
Old and New Tools for Wonderful Marquetry
A decorative art form, Marquetry has been around for a while now. Wood veneers are used to create a number 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. Items like jewelry boxes, paintings and curios are decorated in Marquetry.
Marquetry is labor-intensive, yet the final product is well worth waiting for. There are many kinds of tools in Marquetry and their use depends on the kind of wood you are utilizing, the techniques and the size of the veneers you are working with. Ancient tools of Marquetry have evolved a great deal to make them more accurate.
Originating 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 learn the French method of Marquetry with this tool. 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. It consists of a leather belt that can cut up to a 180 strokes in a minute. This is ideal for large projects that measure 5ft or more.
It is great for accurate work with 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. Cutting boards made of plywood are also essential. Another common option is beach plywood.
Most artisans feel that oak and pine are too hard to be used. If you are working on pictorial Marquetry, a particle board is essential. Lately, it is the medium dense fiber (MDF) board that is commonly used.
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. Some woodworkers opt for a rotary palm held sander to help smoothen the surface of an image.
This article was written by Ruth D’Souza Prabhu of MarqART Gift Shop. Our jewelry boxes feature evocative wood art designs, created from unique wood grain patterns and colors. 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!
UK releases $150 mln for Libya rebels, expels Gaddafi diplomats
We thank you taking the time to visit our website
and hope that we were able to assist you in your search for the information that you are looking for.
We do realize that with many articles written, it is possible
and even likely that you will find errors along the way.
We would appreciate you using the "contact us" page to let us know if you come across any mistakes
in our articles or if you simply have some ideas for articles that you would like to see in the future.
Thanks again for taking the time to visit,
we hope you have enjoyed it and hope that you will visit us again someday very soon.
