I'll just relate a few of the highlights:
--I had several stocks lying around to use for practice cuts on the electric miter box, that helped so I could learn how to really hold the final piece correctly.
--I don't have a mill so I used a dowling jig to place the holes for the mortise, and then cleaned them up with very sharp chisels. That worked. The biscuit size is 1 1/2" x 1/2 x 1/4. I made the biscuit last to exactly fit the mortise.
--I used good quality slow-set epoxy, knowing that positioning the piece needed to set exactly in the correct position.
--Still have final finish work to do and then clean up the checkering and expand the field slightly.
--Comments: I am glad I was able to save a drop-dead gorgeous piece of wood. I spent more time than I had figured but so far worth it. Next time (if there is one) I will use end mills and x-y table on drill press. I don't have a mill. ALL of your comments were much appreciated--even the skeptics. THANK YOU.
WORKING ON INCLUDING A FEW PHOTOS. CHECK BACK IN A LITTLE WHILE. GIL
