Inlay Blanks - 1 Ounce - Mother of Pearl 1.0mm

In stock
SKU
IN-101-110
$68.50
Mother of Pearl blanks for cutting custom inlays - 1.0mm (0.040") thick - 1 ounce (approximately 80 cm2) - Random shapes & sizes - Natural shell White Mother of Pearl is the most common inlay material for the fingerboards of guitars and other stringed instruments. It has a white or light silver colour with a natural iridescence and a subtle beauty. 1.0mm thick stock is better for headstock inlays and inlays in other flat areas of an instrument. It is easier to cut than thicker material. There is enough in one ounce for an elaborate inlay. The blanks can be cut to shape using a jewellers saw. The inlays should be installed into a cavity made by routing or chiseling. Always wear a dust mask when sanding and cutting pearl as the dust may be hazardous if inhaled.
White Mother of Pearl blanks to cut custom fingerboards and headstock inlays

The best way to cut these blanks into inlays is using a jewellers saw. The blades in these saws are much finer than any other saw and will cut the shell without breaking it and leave a clean edge that needs little smoothing out.

A cavity needs to be made in the timber for the inlays to be installed in. The best way to create this is with a Dremel router and small downcut bit. If a Dremel isn't available the cavity can be made with a small sharp chisel.

The inlays should be set in using epoxy with some sanding dust mixed into it. The sanding dust should be the from the timber being inlaid.

Once the epoxy has dried level the inlay to the timber using a hard sanding block or fingerboard radius block with sandpaper attached with double-sided tape. This hard block will help keep the surface level.