At a simple level, veneering is the process of applying thin layers of decorative wood over less expensive structural materials. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most refined techniques were developed centuries ago by 17th and 18th century furniture makers who perfected the technique we now call “hammer veneering.” As we learn here, a few modern-day artisans still prefer this time-honored technique to create the highest quality work. One of those practitioners is San Diego-based furniture conservator Patrick Edwards, an accomplished furniture maker, woodworking historian, and hand-tool expert.

In this video, without the benefit of powered vacuum presses or perfectly flat plywood substrates, Patrick reveals an entire hammer veneering process. You’ll learn step-by-step how to “tooth” or make perfectly flat the substrate wood, how to glue down simple veneers using a veneer hammer & animal protein glues, how to create an exquisitely tight veneered joint, how to insert decorative inlays, and how best to prepare the project for final finishing. Patrick has made a career out of preserving the extraordinary skills of the old masters and in so doing he’s become a modern master himself. Patrick is a fantastic teacher and woodworking scholar and I’m confident you’ll enjoy this very special WoodTreks video adventure. (13 Minute Woodworking Video)

Patrick Edwards is President of Antique Refinishers, Inc. which offers restoration, conservation and reproduction of pre-industrial American and European furniture for dealers, private collectors, and institutions. Mr. Edward also owns and instructs at the American School of French Marquetry, Inc. Both business are based on San Diego, California.

Decorative inlay bandings are signature components of many different styles of furniture built in the 18th and 19th century. In this concise video overview, Jeff Williams, Irion Company’s inlay specialist, shows samples of the inlays he has made and discusses where and how they were used. There are many different styles featuring a wide assortment of wood species; mahogany, satinwood, cedar, ebony, and holly. Each of these samples where once part of the process of restoring a prized antique or in making a period correct reproduction of a historical masterpiece. Even if you never intend to be an inlay specialist, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the intricacy and beauty of each sample Jeff displays. — Keith (4.5 Minute Woodworking Video)

The Irion Company specializes in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Jeff Williams specializes in period correct Federal style furniture with an emphasis on veneering, inlaying, and marquetry.

Inlay is the traditional technique of inserting decorative elements into the surfaces of furniture, musical instruments, or other wood-crafted objects. In this video tutorial, Irion Company’s inlay expert Jeff Williams demonstrates one of the most important aspects of the process; making finely detailed strips of inlay bands. You can buy pre-made banding, but making your own has distinct attractions. You can fabricate the exact style, dimensions, and pattern you want, using the woods that compliment your project. But perhaps the best reason is the satisfaction and accomplishment of making your own.

Join me as Jeff shows us how to make an elegant, repeating, geometric-patterned band from simple strips of laminated contrasting-colored woods. It’s a useful technique whether you aspire to reproduce fine antique reproductions, restore or repair existing furniture, or incorporate inlays into contemporary projects. — Keith (9 Minute Woodworking Video)

The Irion Company specializes in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Jeff Williams specializes in period correct Federal style furniture with an emphasis on veneering, inlaying, and marquetry.

For centuries, decorative string and banded inlays have been highly valued embellishments that were applied to the finest furniture. Among the many techniques and styles of inlay, string inlay is perhaps the most common and useful method. Even today, some designers and craftspeople use simple string inlays to define, highlight, or bring focus to elements of an object — be it furniture or other decorative art.

In this comprehensive video tutorial Jeff Williams, inlay specialist for the Irion Company, demonstrates his period correct method of cutting the recessed groove, making traditional holly string, and applying this string into your workpiece. Mr. Williams is a master artisan and as an Irion Company employee, Jeff has crafted some of the finest antique reproductions of Federal Style furniture being built today. In filming Jeff, I had the opportunity to meet him and get to know him. His modest, easy-going nature makes him the perfect guide as he patiently shows us the ropes. Making and applying string inlay never seemed so accessible. You can do this too. — Keith (9 Minute Woodworking Video)

The Irion Company specializes in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Jeff Williams specializes in period correct Federal style furniture with an emphasis on veneering, inlaying, and marquetry.

In this video, we join proprietor Todd Felpel as he takes his ritual end-of-day tour through the highly acclaimed, 60-year old, Irion Company cabinet shop. During our tour, Todd hints at how cabinetshops of the past were run and how custom furniture was ordered and created. And it all starts with the patterns.

Irion’s pattern room is reminiscent of many early American cabinet shops that dotted the east coast of the United States 200 years ago. In this room, countless sample-parts dangle from the rafters, each group memorializing a specific antique masterpiece. Irion has relationships with some of America’s most prestigious museums (the Yale, the Metropolitan, and Winterthur) allowing them “back door” access to measure and document some of the most significant examples of Early American decorative arts. Based on these visits, where photographs and copious notes are taken, Todd describes how sample patterns are then carefully made. Each documented piece must include key reference points, i.e. the sweep of a table leg ankle, key carving points, the subtle dimensions of the foot’s ball & claw, and precise molding details. All are carefully defined and then detailed in measured drawings. In the end, the entire collection of drawings, sample patterns, and photos, are stored for future reference — guideposts for the next the generation of cabinetmakers.

This nightly walk is how Todd monitors the hand-crafted work of Irion’s skilled artisans. As we tour with him, Todd reflects on 250 years of furniture making tradition. It’s a calling he clearly relishes as he says, “it’s better than diamonds”. I can’t tell you how much fun I had on this trek. Come join me. (4.5 Minute Woodworking Video)

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Todd Felpel is President of The Irion Company, specialists in the restoration, conservation, and hand-made reproduction of American antique furniture from the 18th and 19th century. Irion is based in Christiana, Pennsylvania.