Metal Inlays Using A Bit Of Solder

metal inlay

Looking for a unique way to add a nice metal inlay to finish off your project? [Ben Krasnow] shows us how using a CNC router, a bit of solder, and a lot of sand paper!

It’s actually a pretty simple job — Of course, that’s only if you have a CNC machine. [Ben] started by engraving his inlay using his handy CNC mill, and then sanding off any rough spots. He then filled the engraving with acid flux paste, got out his MAPP gas torch and started dripping solder into the piece. Once everything was covered, he started sanding it, from 60 grit all the way to 600 grit for a nice polished finish. The results speak for themselves.

An easier method of this could also be achieved using plastic and epoxy, instead of brass and solder. One of the biggest problems with the solder is bubbling, which can cause voids which will appear when you are sanding — so you might have to do a second pass with the solder.

[Ben Krasnow] is an interesting character. He’s sought out the perfect cookie, made his own CT scanner at home, explained the various heat treatments of steel — and even installed LEDs into his contact lenses just for kicks!

[Thanks Fabien!]

11 thoughts on “Metal Inlays Using A Bit Of Solder

  1. Nice idea. Another way to do something similar is to use some epoxy (the stuff sold for use on fiberglass works fine), mix in some pigment to color it (toner carts usually have a bit of stuff left in them, black and color ones), and maybe some glitter or crushed turquoise or something like that, then sand it down. It helps to spray some shellac on the piece before milling it, then the colored epoxy won’t penetrate the wood and will come off more easily where it overflows the milled areas.

  2. The same can be done with steel and a brazing alloy. They come in choice of colors, from copper to brass to silver. The temperature needed is higher (so when handling e.g. a sword or a knife handle beware of wrecking the steel properties, or follow with the proper heat treatment to restore them).

    Another alternative is electrodeposition. Chemical or electrolytic etching, followed by electrodeposition using the same mask, should give an even surface with a metal inlay.

    Even chemical deposition of a thin layer can do nice effecs. Etched copper, with selectively silvering of only the etched parts (do not remove the mask before dunking in the silver-plating solution), ends up nice. Similarly, blackening or other chemical processing baths can be used this way.

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