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the entire project. This hammer is generally used when working with hot hide glue.

A self healing cutting mat like those found in a sewing store, which serves as perfect cutting surface. Some blue painters tape to hold the veneers tight together while you fabricate the patterns. Veneer tape, which is gummed on one side, which when wetted will stick the veneers together for the final lay up. This tape is often perforated, and is referred to as either two hole or three hole tape. These holes allow you to see that your seam is tight between the pieces being connected. A tape dispenser, while not necessary is pretty handy. This will wet the tape as its being pulled out of the dispenser. The roller, mentioned earlier is used to apply pressure to the tape. As the tape dries, it shrinks, pulling the joint even tighter. A straight edge is also needed to cut perfectly butting joints, with no visible gaps between the pieces being joined.

Veneering offers the possibility to combine several species of wood for contrasting borders and inlays. It also leads to the possibility to continue on to marquetry, which is much like cutting a puzzle out of contrasting woods to form a picture. Modern veneering techniques often include the use of a vacuum system to press the veneer into the adhesive in a uniform fashion. Prior to vacuum systems, veneer presses were built to apply as even pressure as possible on the veneer, while being glued. The adhesives used today are also more convenient the hot hide glues. Hide glue is actually ground up hooves, bones and other animal parts. It doesn't smell too pleasant either, as it's heated for use. Working temperature is about 140 degrees for this glue.

Generally a two part adhesive is a better choice, as it provides a rigid bond. Glues like yellow glues are too flexible and allow "creep", or movement in the finished product.

The exception to this is when both surfaces are coated with yellow glue, also known as P.V.A. glue, and permitted to dry completely. The two pieces can then be ironed on with a common household iron. This creates a very strong bond, as it cross links the properties of the glue. After about twenty four hours, it cannot be reversed. The use of contact adhesives is not recommended for veneering. It allows too much movement, as it remains flexible forever. Also, common household items can weaken the bond, even through a finish. Veneering can be a very relaxing form of woodworking, as well as quite rewarding due to the unlimited combinations that are possible. Combinations that simply wouldn't be possible using solid woods. While the idea of learning to work with veneers may be intimidating, it's a matter of trying it, and learning as you go.

Learn more about this author, Lee Jesberger.
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