3D stacked text, Going away gift

Utilizing the first and second inlays in the workpieces section, I cut them out first. This way I was able to assemble my walnut blank for the base of this project. I had some .25" cherry and Maple left over from another project and they worked perfectly for this. I set my depth of cut to .245. Once the carve was complete I was able to flip the piece over and sand down the remaining .005.

Estimated time: 60 minutes

After securing your walnut to the spoil board, I cut out the 1st Pocket for this project. It was a 2 bit carve, using a 1/8" straight cut and 1/16" downcut bit. I set my depth to 1/8". Once the carve was complete and I cleaned out the pockets with a spray of compressed air. I placed a thin amount of wood glue in each pocket. (By thin I mean really thin, you don't want any squeeze out during this process). Then I placed each letter (1st inlay) firmly into its respective pocket. (If you do have some squeeze out, use a sharp chisel to clean off the squeeze out before the glue dries). Allow this step to dry for a minimum of 4 hours and then lightly sand top of letters with 220 grit sand paper if needed.

Estimated time: 72 minutes

This step can get tricky. Secure your project back on your spoil board and select the second pocket carve from the workpieces section. I cut this with only a 1/16" downcut bit. I once again set my depth of cut to 1/8". Now utilizing your z-probe, set the Z-axis on the top of the first inlay that you installed in the previous step. This will allow you to only cut into that layer and not the entire thickness of the project.

Once the carve was complete and I cleaned out the pockets with a spray of compressed air. I placed a thin amount of wood glue in each pocket. (By thin I mean really thin, you don't want any squeeze out during this process). Then I placed each letter/word (2nd inlay) firmly into its respective pocket. (If you do have some squeeze out, use a sharp chisel to clean off the squeeze out before the glue dries). Allow this step to dry for a minimum of 4 hours and then lightly sand top of letters with 220 grit sand paper if needed.

Estimated time: 60 minutes

Add you personalized details using the Personal details workpieces tab. I used a 60 degree V-bit for this carve. I set the my z-probe on the section of the walnut where I wanted this to be cut out.

Estimated time: 20 minutes

You can apply any type of spray finish that you desire too. I do not recommend any brush on finish and there are plenty of nooks that are hard to get a brush into. I personally just soaked it in a bath of mineral oil and let dry on a rack for 2 days.