Marquetry as a Hobby

It is generally agreed that there are 2 ways to cut marquetry with the fretsaw – the pad and the double-bevel method. This was not the case in the early part of the last century. In fact, the first book in English on marquetry did not appear until 1876. “Sorrento and Inlaid work” by Arthur Hope detailed both methods, but it appears that the pad method was preferred by many hobbyists. One reason for this disparity was the availability of ultra thin saw blades needed to bevel cut that many of us enjoy today. During the period in which we are talking thin blades were made from watch-spring material. The teeth were filed on by hand often with a wide set and required the labor of a skilled craftsman.

Marquetry as a hobby did not emerge until the 1930’s when various national woodworking magazines appeared. Periodicals such as Science and Mechanics Woodworkers Encyclopedia, Home Craftsman, Deltagram and Popular Homecraft provided the instruction for those wanting to learn a craft unknown to many. In a review of articles from the period 95 percent detail the pad method. Another advance for the home hobbyist was the convenience of buying small quantities of rare and fancy veneers from companies such as Craftsman Wood Service.

The glues and finishes used at that time have changed, but the way in which marquetry is cut has not. It is true that bevel cutting has surpassed the pad method in popularity among craftsmen. It has not replaced it nor will it. It is the best means to produce multiple copies of a pattern. As the French like to say – “plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose” (the more things change, the more they remain the same).