Hey guys,
I have a new osage and black micarta longbow that needs a little extra something, and it just so happens that a friend made me an obsidian arrowhead that would be perfect.  How should I go about inlaying this into my bow riser?  I have a Dremel tool which seems like it should work, but I also need to make sure that the bow is properly sealed.  Any advice?

I have only done one inlay in my life, but it came out good.  And I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night!
I outlined the inlay using an exacto knife with a NEW blade.  I like the standard straight pointy blade.  Tape the inlay to the riser in place, and trace around it with exacto knife.  Then remove the inlay.  And carefully carve the perimeter of the inlay with the exacto knife.  After that, I removed the wood inside the perimeter with a dremel tool.  Just don't use the dremel tool for the outer edge of the inlay, it may get away from you and then *(&^%#)^%!!
Dan

for something as irregular as a point, I would definitely look up some info on using blacking compound like muzzle loaders use when they build rifles. You do not want to take any more material out than you absolutely need to, especially on a narrow longbow riser.

Do a "how to" for us. pics and all!

I would sure like to see what it looks like when you are done.

Might also consider placing the object onto a photocopier and getting a flat picture or template of it so you can "trace" it on the bow a bit better.
ChuckC

"Blacking Compound" = candle soot  When inletting ferrules, nose caps etc on a smokepole, you hold the object to be inlaid over a candle, then carefully wipe the edges - if you have a nice snug fit at the sides they will fool you into carving out the outline too much. Press the object in place firmly or lightly tap with a nonmarring mallet. Remove the inlay and carve away the black part. Repeat. Again and again....

For an irregular object like an arrowhead it is a pretty daunting task. Go slow, and I would really be careful with that Dremel!!! I use hand tools - micro carving tools, curved detailing rasps and the like. Don't trust myself on a finished bow with power tools!!!

I did this one a couple years back. This is the only pic I have of the inlay. It is an elk tooth. I used a small drill bit, but a dremel would have been better. I went real slow. I put it in with epoxy and then sealed it with a thin layer of epoxy. This is a friends bow and he has had no problems with it. I would say make sure you take your time, especially with an arrow head.
Oh this hog was shot in the Buttes in Northern CA a couple years back by my friend.

I shot a hog in the butt one time.  But it was in Tennessee, not California.

I saw that and was waiting for someone to jump on it.   Ryan...good job.    Otto....well... good job !
ChuckC

I understand when cutting out for an inlay you should rock the blade you are using to cut it out with and not pull or draw it.

Hows about posting a pic of the bow ,     that would help... :)IWANT SEE THAT RICK WELCH DAKOTA

ttt

hey Doc this wasn't the bow that you blew the limb tip off of was it? you sure are hard on equipment. first it's alaska shafts and now your bow. good thing a Doc's pay is good, you need it just to support your habit.    

so let's see the arrow head and bow you want to inlay it in.....

Here's my inlay, but it's walnut, not a something 3d.
Dan

show a pic Doc!!!!)  

Sorry guys,
I have been away for the weekend.  I will get some pics of the bow and the arrowhead later this week.  I appreciate all the help and haven't decided whether or not I am brave enough to tear up my new bow...yet.  
Rob is right, I'm kind of hard on equipment.  I managed to blow the limb tip off of my "number one" Africa bow 3 weeks before take off    .  Good thing I have more    .

I am with Occonee dan on this one. My personal Droptine bows have an inlayed antler medallion similar to the old bears where i hand paint a different droptined buck on each one.

However, for that install i use a forstner bit and take out a 3/4" circle about 1 1/6" deep. I will try and post a pic if I can dig ne up. I am using aborrowed computer until i can have one custom built. So I am limited for short time.

Thanks droptine.  I will look forward to seeing a photo.

C'mon pics! talent that's what it takes.Bodork does some great inlay work. <><