Video: The inlaid fan
Bob Van Dyke takes you through his step-by-step process for making a five-segmented quarter fan inlay.
Jul 19, 2022
Commonly used as a motif in Federal furniture, the inlaid shaded fan is not difficult to make. In fact, Bob Van Dyke claims you could make it on the couch while watching TV–but that’s a challenge for another day. Even so, the majority of its distinct look comes together within the first few steps despite the seemingly meticulous nature of its assembly. Once you grasp the process of cutting the veneer, shading it, and piecing it together, you can expand to the half fan and full oval. In this video demonstration, Van Dyke takes you through his step-by-step process for making a five-segmented quarter fan inlay, as featured in Issue #262.
There are plenty of variations possible once you get the basics down, and none of them lack historical intrigue. Whether it’s quarter fans, half fans, or full oval fans, this technique can be easily practiced in the shop. It’s certainly a unique one that incorporates burning veneer with hot sand to achieve a high level of contrast, giving it that trademark three dimensional appearance. From sand choice, to burn direction, and even a simple yet brilliant method of working with double-sided tape for fan assembly, Van Dyke has a store of tips and tricks for working with this timeless detail that adds a ton of character to any piece.
This video deviates from our usual format, but we thought presenting it in full would be the best way to get the whole experience. Let us know if you prefer the full length, as featured here, or longer video classes split up into segments.
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Master Class: The Inlaid Fan |
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Video: How To Mockup Federal-Style Inlays |
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Make an Oval Fan Inlay |
Comments
This was great to watch as is! I certainly prefer to have techniques taught in this style (presented in whole at once as opposed to split segments). Could you set up chapters to jump to specific segments à la Youtube? I'd imagine that would work as a middle ground for those averse to long format.
Although I would love to make the trip to Florida this winter for some sugar sand, what would someone living in the Pecos Wilderness of NM use that would be a little more cost effective?
Thanks Bob - love your teaching style
Who is the guy that is asking questions as if he never touched a piece of wood. Very strange.
Excellent video!
Nice Gerstner tool cabinet on the bench behind them
The long format for me every time. Then I have the option to FF if I don't want to watch some parts.
I like the longer format with a second person to ask questions. The interaction between two people makes it real. A very enjoyable way to learn a new technique. I would very much like to learn how to then inlay the fan in the main board. Thanks to the team
Excellent format. Both the continuous video and the questions resulting in clarifications add to the positive result.
Long or short, I really like Bob’s style of presentation. The last addition to the fan looked proud. Does it get flushed up after the fan is inlayed? I’d like to see Bob’s technique for inlaying the fan.
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