I use epoxy to inlay the MOP, and add white colorant to the resin. That makes any poor fits ( which you want to try and not have ) go away.
You want the MOP to be thick enough to allow for some sanding and to hold up to use, so I would say to get 1/16 to 1/8" ,depending on the use of the object.I use 1/8" for curved surface inlay.
I cut the MOP with a 3/0 or 4/0 jewelers saw, and file the edges smooth and to the final shape.Don't try and cut to the exact shape unless you have some practice at it.
Set the MOP on the surface to be inlaid, securing it with a tiny drop of CA glue. Use a #11 blade and make a scribe around the MOP. Apply a drop or two of acetone to the underside of the MOP ( to loosen the CA) and after a minute or two, carefully remove the MOP with a scalpel blade. Inlet the area for the MOP by starting at the center and working toward the edges. Don't go quite to the edge at first. Test fit the MOP as you slowly get the recess fitted to it. Do the hardest match places first, such as crotches and corners. A good tip is to glue a piece of balsa wood to the MOP to make a little handle to hold it with. This will come in real handy when the MOP is finally snugly pushed into the recess, and you realize you can't get it out to put in the glue.The MOP should stand just slightly proud of the surface when all is done.Consider the curvature when doing curved inlay to decide how much you need sticking out to sand the curve in later. Also, recess the center of the hole slightly more than the edges.
Once all is right, rub the epoxy onto the recess surface with a toothpick. You don't want to fill up the recess, just wet all the surfaces. Apply epoxy to the MOP back and edges in the same way....just a thin film. Place the MOP in the recess with gentle rocking motion, being careful not to break it. Once it is seated, let it fully dry. When dry, saw off the wooden handle close to the MOP surface, and sand everything down flush, matching the curvature if it is on a knife handle.
Stacy
Contrary to what you migh read occasionally, MOP is not toxic, but breathing any fine dust is bad, so when sanding, wearing a dust filter is always a good idea. MOP is calcium carbonate.
Stacy
