Veneer application & CNC laser advice?

[bradleyheathhays]

I'm gonna apply a sheet of 1/42" Maple veneer to a 1/8" sheet of Basswood and see if I can cut it with a CNC laser.

How do I go about applying the veneer without the sheet curling after the glue cures? Is there any adhesive I can use that won't make the piece curve? I could apply veneers to both sides but I'm trying to avoid doing that.

My local public library's maker's space has a CO2 Epilog Laser Cutter and I've just taken a class on operating the thing I'll be giving that a go soon...cutting shapes out of the veneer on basswood combo. The goal is to cut fast enough that the veneer doesn't have any burn residue on the top. The side edge doesn't matter much.

Actually, what kind of spray finish can I give my veneered sheets before putting them under the laser so that sooty debris will just wipe off? No gloss or color change is wanted at all. Just a good protective finish.

 

[carlmorrell]

I have done a lot of veneering. Right now, I am in the middle of building a MCM turntable/amp/record stand in walnut. I have been making veneered furniture for decades, had a piece in Fine Woodworking about 25 years ago.

You have to keep a piece balanced. If it is small it is not an issue, but after the size gets up over a few inches, you will regret not putting veneer on the backside.

Next is the glue. You can use, wood glue, contact cement, epoxy and modified urea resin. Epoxy is a pain to deal with once it gets on the surface. Wood glue , and contact cement remain "plastic", that is, no matter what you do, you will have veneer creep. This will become evident when pieces of veneer are taped together before gluing. The joints will separate. I ran into this with a very small, 12" x 8" , with a 2 piece bookmatch. After several failures, I started researching and discovered modified urea resin glues. This is the best glue to use. Once it dries, the veneer will never creep. It's a pain to use. It is a resin, with a powdered hardener, once it's mixed, there is a very short pot life, 10 to 20 minutes. The glue is very temperature sensitive. I press using a vacuum bag, and an electric blanket. I ALWAYS use Unibond 800. from vacupress.com.

I cant comment on the laser stuff. I have a friend that does that, he needs vacuum to evacuate the smell, and his laser is really slow.

My kitchen table Santo Domingo rosewood, and quilted maple. The base is made with 1/8" layers of cherry, also done with a vacuum bag.

Heres the vacuum bag in action this week:

Feel free to contact me with questions.