Veneering a non-rounded corner

Question:

I am a new woodworker and I’d like to start implementing veneering into my projects.

I’ve studied substrates and despite what I’ve found I am going with Red Oak for my next project, a jewelry box. This is the easiest for me to work (and minimizes splintering since I am not yet that skilled). I have chosen Carpathian Burled Elm as my desired veneer. That’s the setup. Here is my question:

How do I veneer non-radii, 90 degree corners? It seems to me that you run into a few problems.

• How do you work it so that it appears to be a solid piece of Elm?
• Does it require bevelling?
• How do you keep the corners from buckling? And so on.

Any reply is appreciated! Thanks!

Answers:

The first thing I would suggest is that you re-think your choice of substrates. The preferred substrates are MDF, cabinet grade plywood, particle board or lastly would be hardwood.

Now to your questions:

On a sharp 90 degree corner or edge there is no other way other to butt these two pieces together. Some veneers will bend around a radiused edge but there has to be a pretty substantial radius to do so. There will always be a very slight seam which shows on a 90 degree edge but you have to look extremely close to notice it. Most people wouldn’t notice it at all.

If you bevel the edge of the box, it will have to be veneered or you will expose the substrate underneath.

As for your concern about the corners buckling, all I can say is you have to be sure you have all the veneer firmly glued to your substrate. During your sanding process you should lighlty feather the sharp edges of the veneer where the corners or edges come together and finish them accordingly. You don’t want a sharp or ragged edge exposed which may snag and splinter the veneer. We hope these are the answers you are looking for. Good luck with your project. [2005]

Oakwood Veneer Tech Support