Darryl Keil Last Activity 2025-09-09 11:09 AM
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Chip

Posts: 2

Joined: 2007-04-06
Location: Pinckney MI

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Subject : veneer substrate question
Posted : 2007-04-06 1:40 PM
Post #33738
Hello All. I just joined this terrific forum/resource. I'm relatively new to veneer and have what is likely a simple question to ask.

I am going to veneer a 1" thick table top. I'm unable to find 1" MDF but I can get 1" 19ply baltic birch as an alternative. As I understand it, MDF is typically the first choice for substrate (correct?).

If I were to glue two 1/2" pieces of MDF, would this give me an acceptable substrate? What adhesives would be reccomended for bonding the MDF?

Thanks in advance


 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1455

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: veneer substrate question
Posted : 2007-04-07 3:31 PM
Post #33744 - In reply to #33738
Chip,

You would be fine gluing two sheet of 1/2" MDF together. Regular yellow glue or urea resin glue would be fine. You could also use the 1" baltic birch with excellent results. The MDF will tend to stay flatter than the baltic birch but if the baltic birch is being attached to some sort of base or frame you should be fine.

Sincerely
Darryl Keil


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: veneer substrate question
Posted : 2007-04-07 8:07 PM
Post #33748 - In reply to #33744
I'll second Darryl's comments. My first preference is MDF because there is no possibility of voids in inner plies, as there sometimes are with BB plywood. BB sometimes has a curl or bow, depending on how it has been stored. With either material, it's best to veneer both sides with similar veneer, to minimize the chances of cupping as the veneer adhesive cures.

Don't be afraid to make some test veneering before beginning the table top. There are always some unexpected challenges, such as the weight of a 1" thick top if very large, trimming the edges and veneering or hardwood banding them.

Good luck.


 
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Chip

Posts: 2

Joined: 2007-04-06
Location: Pinckney MI

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Subject : RE: veneer substrate question
Posted : 2007-04-08 11:21 AM
Post #33751 - In reply to #33738
Thanks for the responses. I'm looking forward to getting started on this part of the project. If I can ask onne more question...

If I use a raw veneer on my show side, is it possible to get away with a paper-backed veneer as my balance piece on the underside, or should I stay with raw veneer on both sides?


 
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Don Stephan

Posts: 825

Joined: 2003-07-18
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

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Subject : RE: veneer substrate question
Posted : 2007-04-08 11:41 AM
Post #33752 - In reply to #33751
The intent of veneering both surfaces of a substrate is to try to equalize the stresses on the substrate. That said, I always use the same material on both surfaces, i.e. raw veneer and raw veneer, paper backed and paper backed, ... and try to apply the two sides of veneer simultaneously. If complications prevent the latter, I'll try to press the two surfaces the same day. Most likely there are some who use raw veneer on one side and paper backed on the other, but I don't.

If you are relatively new to veneering, an excellent set of learning tools are "Decorative Veneering" by Paul Schurch www.schurchwoodwork.com and "Working with Veneer" by Darryl Keil www.vacupress.com These two videos can substitute for some initial experimentation and both are highly recommended.
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