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When is veneer flat enough?

When is veneer flat enough? (post #161412)

bilyo on Fri, 01/28/2011 - 16:23

New To Woodworking

Hi,

Hope I'm in the right forum category. I'm going to try a little veneering for the first time. It should be a simple job and I've got some plain cherry veneer (not figured) and some cold press glue. I've read that some veneers (burl, etc.) are very wavy and need to be softened and flattened. My veneer has a few places where it is only slightly wavy, usually where the grain makes a curve. Is this enough to require softening and flatening or will the moisture in the cold press glue be enough to do the job. I plan to sandwitch the glue-ups between 3/4" mdf and clamp every 6" or so with hardwood culls.

Thanks

Hard to say for sure without (post #161412, reply #1 of 3)

by frankfive in reply to bilyo [original] on Sat, 01/29/2011 - 08:31

Hard to say for sure without seeing/feeling it, but from your description I'd say it's good to go. Commercial plain cherry should be pretty tame. Go ahead and give it a try.

I have some in my shop for years and would have no problem using it as is.

Maybe a visual will help... The photo of the Crotch Mahogany is an example of veneer that I needed to soften/flatten before using. The photo of the walnut veneers (Burl and Quarter Sawn) were OK to go without prepping.

I hammered these veneers with hot hide glue, but I'd have done the same if cold press.

Frank

There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot. - Steven Wright

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Crotch_Mahogany_Veneer.jpg	162.32 KB
	Walnut_Veneers.jpg	58.07 KB

When is veneer flat enough (post #161412, reply #2 of 3)

by bilyo in reply to frankfive [original] on Sat, 01/29/2011 - 09:23

frankfive,

I would say that the wavyness of my cherry is very similar to your walnut example except in some small areas where it may be a little more wavy. Thanks. That releaves some anxiety.

bilyo

Cold Press is not a glue I'd (post #161412, reply #3 of 3)

by DonStephan in reply to bilyo [original] on Mon, 01/31/2011 - 18:34

Cold Press is not a glue I'd use because of its moisture content and because it doesn't dry rigid, but lots of people swear by it.

I'd want the veneer to lie flat without hoping moisture in the glue will assist - the moisture may not do what you're hoping, in which case the pressing would be a failure. If two pieces of veneer have to be joined in a seam, any curl or buckle will prevent taping up a tight seam.

Just my opinion.