Workshop
Workshop
The workshop pages describe how an intarsia is made from veneer: from choosing tools and templates through cutting, assembly and gluing to sanding, finishing and repairing mistakes. Each page covers one step of the work in the detail that precise veneer work calls for and, where it applies, describes how the Reihax workshop works too. Pages not yet translated are marked and lead to the German original.
- Tools for geometric intarsia Cutting tools, presses and measuring: which equipment you really need and which you do not.
- Designing and transferring an intarsia Developing a pattern on paper and transferring it precisely to the veneer without distortion.
- Cutting and fitting veneer Precise cutting, building angles and checking joints for straight strips and angled pieces.
- Working with templates Paper pattern, cutting template, assembly jig and file: when a template pays off and how to make, use and check it.
- Making small objects Intarsia in small batches: what runs together for the whole batch, what piece by piece, and where the time goes on small objects.
- Fixing mistakes Repairing open joints, bubbles, tear-out, sanded-through spots and glue stains, and how to tell that starting again is better.
- Assembling an intarsia Dry fit, taping and checking alignment before pressing.
- Substrates MDF, multi-ply and HDF as stable bases: their properties, behaviour with moisture and compatibility with glue.
- Glues for veneer and intarsia PVA, urea glue and hide glue: open time, wenge contamination and how the glue interacts with the finish.
- Gluing and pressing veneer Applying glue, building up the press and spreading pressure for a veneer that bonds over its whole area.
- Sanding veneer and preparing the surface Sanding sequence, grit and preparing for the finish on thin veneer without rounding the edges.
- Finishing veneer and intarsia Oil, hard-wax oil and shellac: application, drying and how the contrast changes by species.
- Checking quality in geometric intarsia An inspection routine from checking the material to the final check in raking light after the finish.