Tony Falotico
Member
- Messages
- 519
- Location
- Lake City, Florida
I'm moving into unknown territory here (veneering) -- project is a built in computer station / desk area in what is to become the computer room / secondary TV room / reading room. The desk top is going in a nook that is 88" wide x 28" deep. I have some nice figured maple that I want to resaw and use as 'veneer'. It will be bookmatched with probably four pieces 7" wide x 88" long. The planned substrate is MDF, although that is negotiable.
In his book, Tage Frid explains why you do not want your veneer thicker than 1/28th inch. He explains that when the veneer is too thick (he uses 1/4" as an example) the lower face is held securely to the substrate by the glue, but as the exposed face drys it will try to contract (cross grain) and crack. I do believe this is not in my skill set, the best I think I might get accurately is maybe 1/8" inch thick after sanding and clean up.
So I guess my question is, just how thick can I safely go with a 'veneer' without having problems? What type glue should I use (Titebond?), and if I use MDF substrate do I have to 'veneer' the bottom also?
Thanks in advance, Tony
In his book, Tage Frid explains why you do not want your veneer thicker than 1/28th inch. He explains that when the veneer is too thick (he uses 1/4" as an example) the lower face is held securely to the substrate by the glue, but as the exposed face drys it will try to contract (cross grain) and crack. I do believe this is not in my skill set, the best I think I might get accurately is maybe 1/8" inch thick after sanding and clean up.
So I guess my question is, just how thick can I safely go with a 'veneer' without having problems? What type glue should I use (Titebond?), and if I use MDF substrate do I have to 'veneer' the bottom also?
Thanks in advance, Tony