Veneer application & CNC laser advice?
I’m gonna apply a sheet of 1/42″ Maple veneer to a 1/8″ sheet of Basswood and see if I can cut it with a CNC laser.
How do I go about applying the veneer without the sheet curling after the glue cures? Is there any adhesive I can use that won’t make the piece curve? I could apply veneers to both sides but I’m trying to avoid doing that.
My local public library’s maker’s space has a CO2 Epilog Laser Cutter and I’ve just taken a class on operating the thing I’ll be giving that a go soon…cutting shapes out of the veneer on basswood combo. The goal is to cut fast enough that the veneer doesn’t have any burn residue on the top. The side edge doesn’t matter much.
Actually, what kind of spray finish can I give my veneered sheets before putting them under the laser so that sooty debris will just wipe off? No gloss or color change is wanted at all. Just a good protective finish.
Replies
I have had great luck with Vacuum Pressing Systems Unibond 800. A couple uses on curved surfaces and NO spring-back. Requires a heat source to cure. I use an electric blanket and a couple moving pads for insulation. Works great on flat surfaces also. I can't comment on the laser questions.
You have to veneer both sides of the panel.
Getting a 1/8" sheet of maple veneered ply might be an easier option.
Regarding that halo effect, too much power or too slow of a speed will produce more of that sooty tacky residue. Experiment with the settings and it will greatly reduce that problem.
As has been said, you'll most likely need to apply veneer to both sides of your basswood to prevent warping of the finished piece.
To prevent soot from sticking to the part, I use paper transfer tape (available on Amazon). I have never used it when just cutting thin veneer as I've never had an issue, but you will most likely see some noticeable burn marks when cutting through 1/8" stock.
The is enough info online to say that you really should be using paper transfer tape instead of something made of vinyl as the heat will cause a release of chlorine gas. An even bigger thing for me though is that I feel paper tape is cut more cleanly where as the vinyl has a tendency to melt and reattach itself.
Thanks for the advice everybody. This is the first I've heard of using paper transfer tape. Just ordered some so we'll see how it does.