Q: I am currently working on a furniture piece that I want to add an inlaid-wood piece to. I have never done inlaid wood before and I don’t own a scroll saw, can I cut out the shape with a plunge router? How is the best way to do this?

A: A router with a straight bit and template guide is excellent for cutting out a shape to be inlaid into another board. Never cut all the way through the board with the router bit, however. Otherwise when you complete the cut, the inlay piece will be free and the router bit will damage it immediately. The best choice is to use a board thicker than you need for the inlay, and then free the piece on the table saw or band saw. Take care that it isn't trapped by the fence when it releases.

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