Replies

1. 
   johnhardy | Feb 21, 2003 03:47am | #1

   You need even pressure to glue veneer to 20" by 48" plywood. The i-beam approach would apply even pressure only below the beam, not to the larger piece.

   Try this. Cut a piece of MDF the size of the plywood, place it on top of the veneer (use PVA glue), and put very heavy sandbags on top. You can use blue painter's tape to keep the veneer steady (so it won't slide around) as you get this process started. If you're concerned about glue between the veneer and the MDF you could put wax paper between the veneer and the MDF. You want even pressure, and something like this should work. You could also place lots of cinderblocks on top, as many as would fit. Lots of weight here will make the veneer flat and even.

   Remember to put veneer on both sides so that you don't have problems later on.

   John

2. 
   DonC | Feb 21, 2003 10:11pm | #2

   Place the center of your veneered surface directly under a "I"beam in the basement or room. Use 2 x 4 from the beam to the project and use wedges to apply pressure to the laminates. Use conventional clamps on the edges.

   Don

3. 
   JerseyJohn | Feb 27, 2003 07:39pm | #3

   You can make the cauls you spoke of.  Crown them about 1/4 inch at either end and have enough made for four in centers.  Attaining even pressure is a matter of feel. Don't be concerned with to much pressure.  Just be sure the crown doesn't lift off of the center of the caul. 

   If you are concerned with high and low depression on your caul plates then do the following.  Place wax paper over your face, a layer of two of smooth felt, then the caul.  The felt will provide compression at low spots on the cauls or the veneer.

   John Ersing

   Veneer Systems