When making paterae inlay, I usually end up with clamped blocks all over the shop floor. If you don’t clamp these small veneer patterns flat, they turn into potato chips before you have a chance to use them. Also, I make paterae in batches, and always have extras to store. So I used a press screw from Pony Tools to make this small device for keeping them all flat. To separate individual pieces or groups, I insert melamine spacers.

—JIM SHAPIRO, San Francisco

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #290

Introduction to Wood Veneering

Learn the basics of how to veneer wood in this three-part video series

Six Steps to a Perfect Inlay

A little glue, a sharp knife and a minirouter make inlaying easy

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Router Inlay Router Bit Set

Set includes solid carbide down-cut spiral bit (for chip-free cutting), quick-change bushing, template guide and complete instructions. Fits Porter-Cable, Black & Decker and any router with a Porter-Cable bushing adapter.

Buy at Woodcraft

Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper

The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.

Buy at Amazon