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.