Posted by Bill Martinelli [ 24.93.17.174 ] on November 24, 2004 at 23:00:11:

In Reply to: Re: I'm not Martinelli but I hold his coat......... posted by BillEpstein on November 24, 2004 at 18:06:25:

Can you toss another shovel on the fire while this bottle is breathing for us?

Gar,

To answer your question pointedly, yes I have a veneer press. It is a small caul and platen press 2' x 4'. simply made on a sturdy framework with 3 layers of MDF for the platen. The cauls are all 1.5 x 3 fir or poplar and they have a 1/8" taper to the center from the outside end's. I use 7000 series I-beam clamps to apply pressure every 6" across the work. In this type of mechanism you can veneer a flat panel or an entire cabinet. For the cost of all the clamps you will need, a vacuum system could be purchased. I prefer this method and it will be replaced with hydraulics some day...

Honestly the best way to use veneered sheet good for cabinets is to buy veneered sheet goods. Hunt out a source for the best veneers you will be happy with that are already on a multi lam sheet. Then, work on your joinery techniques and cutting methods to avoid chip out and spaces.

Second option is to coat the substrate with glue and iron on the veneer. Veneer is like everything else only to the farthest extent. "it requires balance" if you wet one side of veneer with glue, or anything bearing moisture. Be prepared to equalize the other side or it will curl up like a wet leaf on a hot driveway. The figured the wood such as a burl, curl, strip or ribbon. The more cross or wild graining patterns there are to the natural wood. These graining patterns are anything but straight, pulling in all directions causing you grief.

Bill

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