When designing a pair of federal side tables, Bob Van Dyke wanted to be able to see into the future before he committed to an inlay pattern. Bob has just about every tool you can imagine in his school, but unfortunately a time machine isn’t one of them. He does have a pair of mirrors that makes the great unknown a little more … well … known. Many woodworkers use mirrors to help them lay out veneers; Bob just added a grab bag of federal inlay goodies to the mix. With his kit, he’s able to add sand-shaded flowers, shells, and curved inlays, and he mixes and matches them to see exactly what blend of elements is perfect for his projects. So next time you’re making a shell or floret to inlay, make an extra and start assembling a kit of your own. Future you will thank … well … you.

More on FineWoodworking.com:

• Use Mirrors to Design Veneer Patterns – Learn how to leverage mirrors in the design of stunning veneer patterns in the second part of our three-part series on veneering basics
• One Routing Template For a Perfect Fielded Panel – One routing template is all you need to make this fielded panel with veneer and stringing by Steve Latta
• Master Class: The Inlaid Fan – Bob Van Dyke demonstrates how to make a five-segmented quarter fan inlay by Bob Van Dyke #262–Jul/Aug 2017 Issue