Question on intarsia

[pokey]

After looking at all the beautiful intarsia on this site, I would really like to try it.  What do I need for tools, sanders etc.  It looks like there is a need for a drum sander...don't have a clue and am as dumb as a post about this subject.  Any suggestions or help would be certainly appreciated.

[dgman]

Hey Pokey, Yes, you will need some kind if spindle sanders. It can be as basic as inexpensive spindles for your drill press or your Dremel tool to dedicated sanding machines. I use a 4X9 pneumatic sander that I mount on my lathe. It can also be mounted on a drill press. I also have a couple of mop sander, an oscillating spindle sander and a 9" disk and 4X48 belt sander. All of which I use for Intarsia projects.
So, as a minimum you will need some sort of spindle sanders to shape. You can finish sand with sand paper, but mop sanders are faster.

[pokey]

Thank you, this will give me a start on looking for the things I need.   

[ChuckD]

The first piece of intarsia I did all I had was a piece of sandpaper and no experience.  Things have changed since then.. (now I have two different grits of sandpaper.)  Just joking.  But like every one doing intarsia, I need more sanders. 

[Danny]

Hey Chuck....  I really got SERIOUS about Intarsia last year and bought me a book and luckily got connected with a Pro in another Forum.  Anyway long story short THERE IS JUST WAY TO MUCH FINE SAW DUST flying around and you can't help but BREATH the stuff.  Your gonna say why not use a mask.  Bought the finest one, but don't work good when you have to wear glasses.
And not good in HOT type whether....SO....  I put Intarsia in the back burner for now.  Oh yea didn't have all them fancy sanding devices either.  Just the good ole Dremble.  LOL  Later....  Danny  :+}

[ChuckD]

Danny, what you need is a good dust collecting device.  I have three quiet Vacuums and a loud dust collector.  Like anything else you can figure how to put the dust where you want it, not in the air, which means your clothes, floor, other tools, and worst of all your lungs.  When I get thru playing in my shop my glasses are still clean, which is a great gauge.  Just think of something, even if it is only a fan and and a filter, then over time you will improve and prefect it...
Then you can get hooked on intarsia like the rest of us.. LOL

[Danny]

Chuck your advice is good and sound.  Always thought about a good dust collection sysyem, but guess I'm on the cheap side as most all of um just cost to dang much.  Gots plenty of fans going and a fan blowing out my one window, but just using my scrollsaw makes fine dust on everything in my shop.  I would love to hear all about your systems.  Yes?  Thanks Danny :+}

[Intarsia92]

I would suggest purchasing Kathy Wise's book "Intarsia Woodworking for Beginners". The book has 25 Intarsia projects from easy to a higher skill level along with step by step instructions; also included is a description and pictures of suggested tools required.

I would be happy to answer any specific questions you have, my E-mail is:  intarsia92@gmail.com