I’m trying to veneer some tiger stripe maple to MDF using tightbond and a veneering press. My original attempt, using paper backed mahogany worked pretty well, but I was using poplar as a base. When I tried the maple on the MDF it didn’t hold well at all. I may have some bad MDF for this project as it seems to have a slick surface, unlike the MDF I’m familiar with. Can someone help?
Discussion Forum
Get It All!
UNLIMITED Membership is like taking a master class in woodworking for less than $10 a month.
Start Your Free TrialCategories
Discussion Forum
Digital Plans Library
Member exclusive! – Plans for everyone – from beginners to experts – right at your fingertips.
Highlights
-
Shape Your Skills
when you sign up for our emails
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. -
Shop Talk Live Podcast -
Our favorite articles and videos -
E-Learning Courses from Fine Woodworking
-
-
Replies
If you don't have a toothing plane Cecil, abrade the surface thoroughly with 80 grit abrasive paper. Do a cross hatch pattern working diagonally from corner to corner. This'll give a wee key for the glue.
Also try cutting a caul about an inch less than the size of your panel out of 1/2" ply or MDF. Bevel the edges at about 45 degrees. Polish it before use to prevent any bleed through causing it to stick to the veneer.
Other considerations. Is your veneer very stiff and twisted? If it is it may help if it's flattened prior to attempting to veneer. Is it a single sheet, or paper backed veneer? Slainte.
It's a single sheet, actually a flitch I belive it's called, as it is about 15 inches by 7 or so feet (that bloody Imperial measure that we both used to love) and I did press it to get the curl out prior to attempting to do the glue-up. I think I will run it through the drum sander, at an angle, as you suggest. I am wondering if "normal" MDF would give the same problem as it appears to have some "tooth" on its own.
I can't seem to get an e-mail to you on your web site, but would like to hoist a pint and have a plowman's. We will be over in September and would love to drop bye and say hi.
No need to put the MDF through a machine, Cecil. Just wrap a quarter sheet of 80 grit around a cork bottomed block and do a bit of sanding-- just enough to break up that slick upper surface.
Yep, emailing me through my website is a bit of a tester, You have to highlight and copy the email address into your email server and edit it to remove the (FAKE) bit. I've plans to make it more user friendly and still fool harvesters and the like-- I just haven't got round to doing it.
Anyway, would be happy to meet for a pint if you are over in Sep. You'll find my mobile (cell phone) no. listed on my website, I think, and you could contact me that way too when you get to the UK Slainte.RJFurniture
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled