SAWS home shop course offers lessons in marquetry
By Terry Hockaday and Dave Old
There are lots of ways that Southern Alberta Woodworkers Society (SAWS) lives up to its slogan “Where woodworkers learn”, but one approach that has been used over many years of the organization’s existence is SAWS’ skill leaders teaching courses on particular topics.
Tam Godfrey is a teacher by trade so this comes naturally to him. He has a strong interest and skills in basic parquetry and marquetry. Over a couple of sessions recently he has invited a small group of SAWS members into his tidy and productive back-yard shop for a day-long learning effort. They are a way to learn the fundamentals of the craft and hopefully launch a stronger capability in the process and for members to get to know one another.
The first day-long course focused on parquetry, simply panels of design. Almost like quilting in wood. Second course is on marquetry, framed panels of a foothills/ mountain scene.
Learning the basics of approach on parquetry. The holding pad that anchors work, jigs like homemade metal angle cutting edges spot-welded together that prevent cutting fingers, and homemade clamps. Tam Godfrey seated, handles teaching while Dave Old and Jeff Zambory (standing with hat) look on. Lots of resource material available
The participants get an opportunity to have an enjoyable day learning tricks of the trade.
It starts with learning a bit about choosing veneer and can give you a chance to hone your wood identification skills as you enjoy the colours, grain patterns and features that wood gives us. Godfrey offers a good selection of that material free, thanks to a supply of donations of from SAWS members, often older ones who have passed on their veneer supplies to him as they stopped doing their craft.
One key education starting point in this class is how various wood species behave under handling as veneer. That affects the choice of which works best for specific designs. Then with that in mind, selecting grains that fit the design chosen.
The start to Day 2, the marquetry class. Teacher Tam, standing works with Chris Bijl, seated.
Not all tapes are equal. There are many types/brands each with differing characteristics and uses. Knife selection is also an important consideration; depending on the veneer and shape of piece you are cutting.
Another key tool that all would-be marquetry artisans will need is a self-healing mat. Putting it on a thin base with fences on at least one side is an easy way to improve your accuracy and efficiency when cutting strips.
Creating a parquetry or marquetry piece is only part of the process. Godfrey also shares some of the basics of substrate selection, gluing, clamping, trimming, sanding and finishing.
One of Godfrey’s attitudes is you cannot rush learning and possibly the most important part of it is getting to know other SAWS members while we visit and work during the day. Generally, in these one day workshops, participants do well to finish their piece and get a backing glued to their substrate. The remaining steps need to be completed at home.
Tam shows off his homemade chevalet used to cut marquetry materials.
Godfrey is happy to offer more of these classes in the future so SAWS members interested in taking one can ask him about that. They can also talk with one of the members who enjoyed one or both of the recent courses. They include Dave Old, Jeff Zambory, Chris Bijl and Terry Hockaday.
SAWS is fortunate to have a number of members who are very knowledgeable and skilled in the art of working with veneers. You may already know who they are. But if you do not, check the “Marquetry Medley” article in the December 2023 newsletter. Knowing folks like them is one of the benefits of SAWS membership.
