Making Straight Edges in Marquetry

    One of the more difficult tasks to perform in marquetry is cutting a perfectly straight line.  I have found that a file and a vise are useful to perform this job.  First, the initial cutting is made near but not including the line.  I use a chevalet de marqueterie that is shown in this website under “inventory”.  Many have alternate methods, viz. fret saw and scroll saw.  Once the initial cut is made, the packet is carefully placed in a vise to hold the elements of the packet in place and stable.  Make sure the line on the project is barely above the jaws of the vise.  This will anchor the packet sufficiently.   With moderate pressure, pass the file perpendicularly alone the cut edge.  Continue this until the desired line is met. 


    Below are examples of making long edges straight.  The materials in the project below are pewter, brass and faux tortoiseshell.  These seen in the Gaming Table listed in “Gallery”.


    Feel free to email any questions to me at Paradoxret@cox.net