I’m putting veneered doors (cherry) on an entertainment center I’ve built. I’m new at veneering so here’s some questions:
What’s the best material to use as a substrate, something preferably around 3/8″? What’s the biggest problem in the long run with using contact cement? Are there alternatives to contact cement that do not require having to build a press?
Finally, can anyone suggest a good site for a “how-to” on veneering?
Thanks, Stan
Replies
Stan,
Check out the thread http://forums.taunton.com/tp-knots/messages?msg=10529.12. I gave extensive details on veneering.
Please feel free to send me any questions that you may have.
Dan Kornfeld, Owner/President - Odyssey Wood Design, Inc.
IMO, contact cement for veneering anything other than an edge is a recipe for disaster. The glue line is not rigid enough to prevent bubbles in the inevetable variations in contraction and expansion that occur between two dissimilr materials. If you're planning on using some kind of special cherry (higly figured ) or need a special layup, why not consider using a local layup shop. Most major metropolitan areas have one or there are many available through the net or advertising in FWW. They have the equipment to guarantee a good result. I use a lot of special layups in my work and rely on a local purveyor all the time.
Good luck with your project.
vacupress.com has a forum that deals with veneering.
I like to use mdf as a substrate. I don't know if it is available in 3/8".
Amoung other problems, some finishes will raise havoc with the contact cement.
Hammer veneering is a traditional method of application. It was used long before vacuum bags. I've never done it, but Fine Woodworking has covered it often. Tage Frid covers it in one of his books.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled