Thread: Working with veneers.

I have a variety of burl veneers about 1/42 in thickness that I've been trying to use in making scales.

How do I stabilize the veneer so that it doesn't crumble while working on it.

Here are my process and thoughts. After applying the veneer (I epoxy it together to the base wood scale) I use a hobby razor to cut the veneer to the shape of the scale. The edges are rough and need smoothing out. This is where the problem starts.

The veneer crumbles away and cracks when sanding. I was thinking that maybe I should first use some sort of wood filler to fill any small cracks and holes in the veneer. Then I was thinking of using wood hardener over that to bolster the veneer.

Does that sound right?

I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks

What type of epoxy are you using? What type of veneer is it, all wood, backing? Is the veneer flat before gluing?

My first guess would be that the veneer is not adhering very well. The glue might be setting too early. With someting as small as a razor scale you can use white/yellow glue with clamps. Or a better approach would probably be to use contact cement.

I would try using a differnt glue and see how things work.

(I must admit I am set in my ways, I like hide glue and hammer veneering. But I wil not recomend it. becuase you proably have other glues on hand.)

Charlie

I'm using 15 minute epoxy from the hobby shop. It's pretty solid stuff.

The veneer is pretty straight to begin with. It's all wood, no backing. I use clamps and a flat surface to make sure there is contact across the entire surface.

My problem is not across the body of the scale, just the edges. Any ideas?

I laminate my veneers by using thin viscosity CA. It bonds the veneer to the underlayment, and completely soaks through the woodgrain as well, thereby stabilizing it. After that, you can cut it, sand it etc.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I laminate my veneers by using thin viscosity CA. It bonds the veneer to the underlayment, and completely soaks through the woodgrain as well, thereby stabilizing it. After that, you can cut it, sand it etc.

I will certainly try that out. Once it's been treated this way is there anything that I should do before I finish the surface. I use poly.

Originally Posted by FastEdge

I will certainly try that out. Once it's been treated this way is there anything that I should do before I finish the surface. I use poly.

Use CA as a final finish as well. It is super durable.


And a pain in the rear end to work with, as well!