On Thu, 26 Oct 2006 16:28:34 -0500, Dave wrote:

I am making a picture frame that has three kerf grooves about 1/8" into the
frames. The plan calls for an inlay of a contrasting wood. I don't have
the right tools to make the inlays of wood and don't want to spend the
money on the wood for such a small project. My thoughts originally was
just to leave the kerf cut there as an accent detail, but after looking at
it and much thought I was thinking of using a dark walnut woodfiller in the
kerf cut grooves. Any thoughts on this? Will this stand the test of time
and last a lifetime? What else do I need to consider with this idea? Any
suggestions at all would be greatly appreciated!!

Hi Dave-

This might be easier than you think. I'm assuming you have a table
saw that you used to cut kerfs in question, right? If the answer is
yes, then all you have to do is set your fence to 1/8" for a full kerf
blade, or 3/16" for a narrow kerf, and rip your contrasting wood. You
can rip it again in the other direction to get it closer to the depth
of your kerf if you like, but it's very easy to sand or chisel off in
any case, because the kerf is thin.

Run a bead of glue down the kerfs in the frame, and press the strips
you ripped in. Sand, plane, scrape or chisel them down until they're
at the height you want them at, and then cut the miters from the
finished stock. If you've already got the miters cut, no problem- cut
the strips close to where they need to be, then sand them flush with
the mitered corner.

I've done this a number of times, and it's much simpler than it may
seem if you haven't tried it. Should even be possible with a circular
saw with a rip fence if you're careful.

I would avoid the wood filler, myself. It likes to pop out. If you
want to fill it with a chemical compound instead of wood, I'd try
tinting some clear epoxy to the color I wanted and use that. Can even
mix in some metal or stone chips for visual interest if you like.