Marquetry
Course
by Jack Metcalfe & John Apps
Softcover
190 x 245mm
176pp
Published by BT Batsford Ltd, London
R.R.P.$25.90
ISBN 0-7134-8850-6
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 115
The Marquetry Course is an instructional/project book aimed at giving students, hobbyists and professional furniture makers and restorers a comprehensive manual and tuition guide to this ancient craft.
The first chapter, An Introduction to Marquetry, covers the tools, equipment, materials and techniques used in the craft as well as the origins and identification of different veneers. These provide a knowledge base and reference source for the rest of the book. Also included are detailed drawings and photos to illustrate and support the text.
The Tutorials section offers hands-on application of the theory. Fans were important as inlay motifs in eighteenth century interior decoration and a number of tutorials detail the template, window and fretsaw methods for assembling fans.
Parquetry is allocated a section of its own and includes tutorials for a Chessboard, Louis Cube, Basket Weave and Chevron patterns with examples of their application.
Two methods of mounting a central marquetry panel to its groundwork are provided - adding the borders before mounting and after mounting. There is an explanation of stringing and banding, as well as the arrangement of the border and two-stage pressing techniques. Border styles are discussed, such as using an 'inline' border for a chessboard, and bookmatched and radius crossbanding on trays.
The finishing stage progresses through clean up, using a random orbital sander and hand sanding, and the application of different types of finish. These finishes include lacquers, clear polyurethane, waxes and French polish.
There are four projects - an Oval Gallery Table, Pier Table, Jewellery Box and Fire Screen. These draw on the information provided in the earlier chapters and each project is provided with a list of tools and materials, and a step-by-step guide to assembly, construction, veneering and finishing.
The Furniture Makers' Gallery at the end of the book includes stunning examples of marquetry, both contemporary and antique.
For those keen to expand their marquetry skills, The Marquetry Course offers an in-depth series of tutorials and projects and an invaluable reference for the workshop library. While the book is well suited to those with intermediate to advanced skill, the projects are not beyond the capability of the novice prepared to put in the considerable time and effort required for a pleasing result.
Photos: Colour
Units of Measurement: Metric & Imperial
Contents
Chapter One: An Introduction to Marquetry
How to use this book
Tools
and Equipment
For Marquetry
For Parquetry
Fretsawing
Marquetry
Cutting Board
Sandshaping Kit
Veneer Presses
Materials
Tapes
Adhesives
Abrasives
Polishes
Veneers
From
Tree to Veneer
Slicing Logs into Veneer
Curl, Crotch or Flame Veneer
Crown Cut
Identifying the 'Face' Side
Matching Leaves
Veneer Samples
Burrs/Burls
Chapter Two: Tutorials
Historical Background
Assembling
Fans by the Template Method
Tutorial No. 1: Convex Corner Fan
Tutorial
No. 2: Five-Flute Concave Corner Fan
Tutorial No. 3: 28-Flute Oval Fan
The
Window Method
Tutorial No. 4: Compass Rose
Tutorial
No. 5: A Single Rose
The
Fretsaw Method
Tutorial No. 6: Shell
Tutorial
No. 7: Patera
Parquetry
Tutorial No. 8: Chess Board
Tutorial No. 9: Louis Cube
Tutorial No. 10:
Basket Weave - Rustic
Tutorial No. 11: Basket Weave - Panelling
Tutorial
No. 12: Chevron
Chapter Three: Mounting, Pressing and Bordering
Mounting
Counterbalancing Veneer
Stringing, Banding and Bordering
Stringing
Banding
Bordering Arrangements
Two-Stage Pressing
Bordering
Styles
Traditional 'In-Line' Border
Book-Matched Crossbanding
Quartered Corners and Crossbanding
Radius Crossbanding
Chapter Four: Sanding and Finshing
Cleaning
Removal of Veneer Tape
Cellulose Sanding Sealer
Sanding
Method 1: Random Orbital Sanding
Method
2: Hand Sanding
Finshing
Lacquers
Notes
on Sanding and Finishing the Projects
Oval Gallery Tray
Pier Table
Jelellery Box
Fire Screen
Chapter Five: Projects
Oval
Gallery Table
Centrepiece
Pier
Table
Veneering and Marquetry
Jewellery
Box
Constructing the Box
Box Lid
Hinges
Internal Construction
The Tray
Making the Eight Divisions
Veneering and Decorating the Box
Fire
Screen
Construction Dimensions
The Marquetry Designs
Chapter Six: Furniture-Maker's Gallery
Appendix
Templates for Designs in Chapter 2
Dawings for Projects in Chapter 5
Glossary
Suppliers and References
Index