Silver Inlay
What follows is a brief tutorial on installing a silver inlay with home made silver nails. The process for brass inlays is done in the same manner, but often does not require hand-made nails, as small finishing brads with swelled heads are readily available at hardware stores. If your inlay is not as tightly fit as you had hoped, fill any voids with a solid piece of wood and re-inlet prior to installing nails. Do not use glue and sawdust no matter what the label says, as it will stand out against your stained stock when finished.

7: Finally, use a sharp file to remove the heads and bring everything flush. If done correctly, the nail heads should be invisible. Any hairline discrepancies in the fit between the inlay and wood will be remedied when the piece is finished. This is one of two sideplate inlays, and will be engraved prior to finishing. Inlays are one of the last pieces installed before final finishing, and great care should be taken after installation not to gouge the wood if subsequent scraping is done. If sanding, be sure to back your sand paper with a small piece of wood or the inlay will stand proud of the stock.