The video introduces basic veneering techniques for woodworking. The host from Jack Bench Woodworking, discusses the fundamental aspects of veneer work, such as preparing and cutting veneer sheets, using various tools and materials like blue painters tape, veneer tape, a straightedge with PSA sandpaper, glue options, and a vacuum bag for pressing. The video also briefly mentions the importance of veneering both sides of a panel to prevent warping and hints at more advanced veneering techniques.
Today, I will delve into the fundamentals of veneering techniques, making veneer work more accessible to beginners. Veneer is an incredibly versatile material with endless creative possibilities. Once you grasp the basics, it becomes a straightforward process. Stay with me as I share my veneering approach, which I’ve learned from a respected expert in the field.
To start, let’s discuss the importance of numbering veneer sheets. Reputable veneer suppliers provide sheets in sequence, maintaining the order they were cut from the log. To avoid losing track during the crafting process, I mark multiple spots on each sheet. This ensures I can easily identify the sequence, even if I need to reference it from waste pieces.
For this demonstration, I’m using six-inch-wide, 37-inch-long mahogany veneer sheets. My project is a 17 by 24-inch panel, requiring only three sheets. Next, I’ll cut the veneer down to size, and I typically use a fixed-blade utility knife for precision. By employing a cutting mat and a straightedge with PSA sandpaper, I ensure clean, accurate cuts, pressing the ruler firmly against the side I intend to keep to minimize chipping.
Once the edges are neat, I joint the veneer edge to eliminate any roughness or imperfections left by the cutting process. This involves elevating the veneer off the workbench using scrap wood and using a square aluminum tube with PSA sandpaper to smooth the edge. Now, with the veneer sheets prepared, we can proceed to assemble them. I use blue painters tape on the backside to hold them temporarily in place while creating the final panel.
The choice of veneer tape is crucial. I typically use 3/4-inch-wide veneer tape, which I apply to the show side of the panel. Veneer tape is thin paper tape with adhesive that’s ideal for this purpose. Before applying the glue, I always ensure the substrate is ready. I prefer using MDF as a substrate due to its stability, but plywood and solid wood can also be used. The veneer glue I use is regular white glue, as it offers a longer open time. However, dedicated veneer glue is an option, particularly for those concerned about glue seeping through the veneer during the vacuum process.
Now, it’s time to press the veneer onto the substrate. I use a vacuum bag, a simple yet effective method for pressing veneer. It consists of two plastic sheets sealed on three sides, with one side open for the vacuum pump attachment. I employ an old refrigeration pump for this purpose. It’s essential to provide a path for air to escape from the entire bag, which I achieve by placing a mesh window screen on top of the panel inside the bag. With the glue spread on the substrate, I promptly position the veneer sheets, securing them temporarily with tape before placing them in the vacuum bag.
The bag is then sealed, and the vacuum pump is activated. I monitor the bag as it compresses, ensuring the glue is evenly distributed. White glue typically requires 20 to 25 minutes in the bag, but I often leave it longer for added assurance. Once the pressing process is complete, I dampen the veneer tape with a moist rag to soften the glue and remove it, revealing the finished panel. Finally, a quick finish test with a splash of water gives me a glimpse of the beautiful veneer work I’ve achieved.
This is just the beginning of what you can do with veneer. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and with practice, you can explore more advanced techniques and create stunning veneered pieces.
Here are the main points of this veneering tutorial:
- Emphasis on the versatility of veneer and its creative potential for woodworkers.
- Discussion of fundamental aspects, including the preparation and cutting of veneer sheets.
- Mention of essential tools like a fixed-blade utility knife, a straightedge with PSA sandpaper, and a cutting mat.
- Importance of numbering veneer sheets to maintain their sequence and prevent confusion.
- Demonstration of edge cleaning and jointing for a seamless veneer finish.
- Overview of veneer glue options, with a focus on white glue for its extended working time.
- Highlighting the necessity of veneering both sides of a panel to prevent warping.
- Showcasing the process of using a vacuum bag for pressing veneer onto the substrate.
- Use of mesh window screen to allow air to escape during the vacuum process.
- The significance of applying glue to the substrate rather than directly to the veneer.
- Removal of veneer tape after pressing and a quick water test to reveal the finished veneer panel.
- Encouragement to explore advanced veneering techniques for more creative possibilities.