Wire inlay question

[45flinter]

Does the inlay go in before staining the wood or after?

 

[Phil Coffins]

I do it before.

 

[Zonie]

IMO, its best to do it before staining the wood.

There is often a bit of sanding required after the flat wire is inlayed to get everything flush so, if the staining is done before putting the wire in place, sanding the area will change its appearance.

 

[Col. Batguano]

Sanding the wire will create burrs with the wire, and take away the softer wood on either side of it even if it is backed, leaving the inlay wire slightly proud. Use very sharp chisels to cut it off flush instead. As much as possible, try to cut across the grain rather than with it. The stain and varnish will slightly swell the wood to help lock the wire in to place. That is particularly true if you use a water-based stain.

 

[dave_person]

Hi,
Actually, you want the wire to be slightly proud of the wood. That way when you apply finish and wipe off the excess, you wipe the wire clean of finish. Moreover, you can polish up the wire later in the life of the gun without removing finish.

dave

 

[45flinter]

Thanks everyone for the replies.