Replies

1. 
   user-6901980 | Jul 29, 2022 12:44pm | #1

   I've used it sparingly - more for repairing existing veneer issues. You can put PU glue on the face of bubbled veneer, put wax paper over that, and press it in a vacuum. The glue seems to go through the veneer (the pores I guess?) and bind the veneer to the substrate.

   When you're veneering, you need pressure distributed across the entire surface of the veneer. This would mitigate the foaming effect you can see with PU glue under other circumstances.

2. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Jul 29, 2022 02:11pm | #2

   Craig Thibodeau uses it. That's about all the expertise needed to win this particular debate!

   https://www.finewoodworking.com/2016/11/02/polyurethane-is-my-go-to-glue

3. 
   jake_w | Jul 29, 2022 07:19pm | #3

   Ben is correct, but Craig Thibodeau only uses it for small areas. It works fine if you can get glue spread, the veneer on, and in the press in about 5 minutes. Otherwise, it foams and the press won't get it flat. I tried it on a 2'x9' panel and it was not a good option. It works just fine on small panels. It isn't my first choice for wood since it is messy and I find other options easier in my shop. I have used it to laminate steel to wood. We made a 3'x6' magnetic chalkboard this way and it was the perfect glue for this project.

   You can use any glue for veneering, some work better than others. For a small project, anything will work. I have used Titebond I & II multiple times without issue on projects under 1-2 sqft. I normally use Franklin hide glue because I always have it in the shop and it works well for small areas. If this is your first project, don't worry about the glue. Just use what you have in the shop. If you want to worry about the glue, use hide glue. The most important thing is that you start using veneer. It will open up a whole new area of woodworking for you to explore.

4. 
   grbmds | Jul 29, 2022 11:14pm | #4

   I generally agree that, if an expert like Craig Thibodeaux does something it's worth considering that method. However, Mr. Thibodeaux is indeed an expert with a lot of experience, including veneering. I'm not and I am always reluctant to use a method I'm not familiar with because there are always details that the expert has learned about and worked around over the years. Plus my experience with cleanup hasn't been good and that's why I stopped using it after trying a whole bottle when it first came out. It seemed like a good alternative but wasn't for me.

5. 
   galturner | Jul 30, 2022 06:19am | #5

   if you are just starting veneering, the easiest method I know is yellow glues and an iron on medium to small projects. I've used it a lot and find it so much easier than bags and other methods for modest projects.

6. 
   user-6901980 | Jul 30, 2022 09:14am | #6

   I think it's important to keep in mind that PU glue has some nice properties (doesn't add water, rigid glueline) but it also has some downsides. It's a good idea to also remember that PU glue has isocyanates and those are something you can developer sensitivities to. So you should exercise some care when working with them.

7. 
   DRBWWing | Aug 02, 2022 10:23am | #7

   Why? is my question.

   Does that article reference veneering?

1. FWW Editor
   ben_strano | Aug 02, 2022 01:10pm | #8

   Yes. It's a whole page on it.