Steel Inlay clean up in Huon Pine.

**Simplicity** · 31st May 2020, 09:13 PM

Thinking about doing some simple inlay, into a project using Huon Pine , also using small thin strips of steel .5 mm or less.

But ,I’m really concerned that if I need to file the inlay flush, how do I stop the Huon Pine being turned Grey, from steel fillings that will possibly be pushed into the pine?

Will a solvent help lift them back out such as Acerton or Turps.?
Or should I use a sanding sealer first, be for filling the steel flush?
Do I sand the pine to the final grade before I inlay?
Or do I sand once the inlay is in place?

Cheers Matt.

**aldav** · 31st May 2020, 10:40 PM

Suspect you're on a hiding to nothing on this one Matt. I can't think of any way of stopping the metal filings getting into the wood and once they're in there there'll be no getting them out. Is it possible to inset the steel into the wood a little more deeply and then bring the wood down to the level of the steel?

**Simplicity** · 1st June 2020, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by aldav

Suspect you're on a hiding to nothing on this one Matt. I can't think of any way of stopping the metal filings getting into the wood and once they're in there there'll be no getting them out. Is it possible to inset the steel into the wood a little more deeply and then bring the wood down to the level of the steel?

Aldav,
I was thinking the same, after I posted last night,
That if I push the metal in a little negative, then bring the timber down flush (careful)too the metal.
That may work[emoji6].

Immmmmm thinking.

Cheers Matt.

**Potts** · 1st June 2020, 10:48 AM

Just thinking out loud, would setting your inlay a little deeper and filling with a thin clear epoxy layer then finishing solve your problem.

**NCArcher** · 1st June 2020, 11:21 AM

I'd go the epoxy route as well. You really need to seal the steel as it will oxidise and possibly stain the huon down the track. Or use high quality stainless. Also just thinking out loud.

**rustynail** · 1st June 2020, 12:40 PM

Fit the wood to the steel not the steel to the wood. Like fitting a rifle stock to the action.

**Simplicity** · 1st June 2020, 07:00 PM

Interesting point from above,
Will the tannins in the timber react with the steel over time,
The pine is well seasoned, it’s been with me for a three four years, an is only 25 mm thickish.

But them once the timber is sealed with either a clear or oil will that be a problem?

Cheers Matt.

**NCArcher** · 1st June 2020, 09:20 PM

I really don't know if they will react but it would be a shame to find out 6 months after you complete it. Just something to consider

**Simplicity** · 1st June 2020, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by NCArcher

I really don't know if they will react but it would be a shame to find out 6 months after you complete it. Just something to consider

Ye that’s what concerns me,but then I guess no blood no glory, or something like that.

I just watched a YouTube clip on inlaying, were the guy used Timbermate wood filler, followed by an application of CA glue(Superglue) over the Timbermade filler, to harden it up.

That got me thinking maybe I should push the steel in a little then use CA over the top before sanding,
That may make a film over the steel,
Before finishing it??.

Cheers Matt

**Bohdan** · 2nd June 2020, 12:00 AM

If you switch to stainless the steel problems will be gone.

**clear out** · 5th June 2020, 07:30 AM

H.

**dusteater** · 5th June 2020, 10:56 PM

Aluminium might be an option , but be careful if you sand it as it heats up very quickly so a slow hand is the way to go.

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