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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 07:52:00 AM

Title: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 07:52:00 AM
I have this nice quilted maple veneer.
 (http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/typical2/IMG_20140126_161207_907_zpsulpxdthg.jpg) (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/typical2/media/IMG_20140126_161207_907_zpsulpxdthg.jpg.html)


What is the best way to cut it into 1.5" strips?  I have used a sharp blade and the edge of my glass in the past.

Can I run them through my band saw?

Eric
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: 2treks on January 27, 2014, 08:57:00 AM
NO bandsaw!
I have scored them(much like you would plexi-glass) I use the Razor blade at a steep angle to score rather than cut. Run it light at first then a little harder. About 6-8-10 passes and it will be free. Somebody spoke of a Veneer saw. That is prolly the way to go.

 http://www.veneersupplies.com/products/Two-Cherries-Veneer-Saw.html
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Trux Turning on January 27, 2014, 09:15:00 AM
A veneer saw is the way to go! It can be done with a sharp blade in a utility knife but veneers easily check and split- nice veneers btw
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 09:20:00 AM
That's what I thought(about no band saw).  I'll look into the veneer saw but with the limited amount I do I'll probably just go with a sharp razorblade.

Thanks guys!

Eric
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 09:36:00 AM
Here are a couple more veneers I got a couple of weeks ago.

Pecky etimoe
 (http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/typical2/IMG_20140126_161216_927_zpsbma2jxf8.jpg) (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/typical2/media/IMG_20140126_161216_927_zpsbma2jxf8.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 09:40:00 AM
And curly olive ash

 (http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/typical2/IMG_20140126_161158_839_zpscmthwif0.jpg) (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/typical2/media/IMG_20140126_161158_839_zpscmthwif0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Robertfishes on January 27, 2014, 10:06:00 AM
I am gonna get one of those veneer saws!! I have been using a new utility knife blade cleaned with denatured alcohol to cut them like Two Tracks and Trux said.. I have a 2"x8"x8' board that I cut veneer on.. a 60" metal straight edge clamped onto veneer on board using bow tuff glass scrap to set width. Sometimes I do have problems with edge splits if I get in a hurry or wood has weak spot.. remember to clean oil or wax off of any blade you use
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Jon in North Idaho on January 27, 2014, 12:01:00 PM
How thick is the veneer and where did you get it?
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: macbow on January 27, 2014, 12:36:00 PM
I haven't tried this but I think a rotary cutter like my wife uses on fabrics would work well. Since the blade rolls it should not put any stress on the wood.

The rotary cutters are really sharp.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 01:05:00 PM
Veneers came from  www.veneersupplies.com (http://www.veneersupplies.com)

I think they are .025"-.030" in thickness.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Trux Turning on January 27, 2014, 01:26:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by typical2:
Veneers came from  www.veneersupplies.com (http://www.veneersupplies.com)

I think they are .025"-.030" in thickness.
They have some nice veneers- I've gotten quite a few from them for bows and table tops- having cut them using a blade and a veneer saw I've got to say....get the veneer saw
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: bornofmud on January 27, 2014, 01:40:00 PM
I clamp a straightedge and run a razor blade down it.  I usually just do it in one pass, haven't had any problems.  Will probably start doing it in 3-4 passes after reading this thread though haha.  I've used some very delicate stuff too, I'd imagine that maple is pretty strong (for a veneer of course haha).
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 01:48:00 PM
I think I'll order the saw.

Now...what other veneers do I need?  Doesn't make any sense to just order a saw now does it.

Hmmmmmmm.     :D
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Trux Turning on January 27, 2014, 02:15:00 PM
Redwood burl, elm, sapele, tamoxifen ash..... Lots to chose from
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Robertfishes on January 27, 2014, 05:16:00 PM
Ordered a saw and extra blade from Joe this morning. He sharpened both blades, boxed them up.. and they are on the way now..the razor sharp utility blade works but I was getting some grain splits on some crazy grain woods. I am hoping for less waste with the saw.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on January 27, 2014, 07:24:00 PM
Be sure to let us know how it works for you.  I might go ahead and order one myself.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: bamboo on January 28, 2014, 07:29:00 PM
don't forget to allow for the kerf when using the saw!
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Hatrick on January 28, 2014, 08:18:00 PM
Good metal straight edge clamped down and a new razor blade does a good job.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Canadabowyer on January 29, 2014, 12:13:00 PM
Like Macbow says, the rotary fabric cutters that quilters work really good. Clamp your straight edge where you want to cut and role away. Get your own!!! Don't borrow the wifes. Don't ask me how I know.   :laughing:
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: JacobkurtD on January 29, 2014, 05:02:00 PM
I use scissors and they work pretty perfectly!
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Tim Finley on February 01, 2014, 10:08:00 AM
Clamp between 2 boards and run them through the band saw cut the boards and veneers together a tight backing stops all the splitting.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Roy from Pa on February 01, 2014, 10:41:00 AM
Good idea Tim..
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Robertfishes on February 01, 2014, 11:40:00 AM
I got the veneer saw Thursday.. along with some curly Imbuya.. don't know when I am gonna use it. I moved and havnt got my shop set up yet. I may have to hire a day laborer.. friends don't ask friends to help move things like 430 pound band saws...my back hurts just thinking about it. Mmmmm I could cut up a bunch of veneer this week and "vacuum pack" them with desicant  packs???.
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: typical2 on February 20, 2014, 06:38:00 PM
Got the veneer saw in the mail this week.  I really likes how this thing works.  Also picked up some teal green/blue dyed veneers for a bow I'm planning to make for my wife.

 (http://i1072.photobucket.com/albums/w364/typical2/11736__84573%201_zpskxttw13q.jpg) (http://s1072.photobucket.com/user/typical2/media/11736__84573%201_zpskxttw13q.jpg.html)
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Trux Turning on February 20, 2014, 08:45:00 PM
Eric I've been eyeing their dyed veneers- looking forward to seeing that on some limbs!
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Horsey on February 21, 2014, 07:31:00 AM
I have been cutting the veneers for years with a sharp utility knife with very little problems.  When this post first started, I ordered a veneer saw and it works great, much better that the utility knife.  By the way, the veneers from veneersupplies.com are 1/42" thick, or .024".  One caution, they are a little too smooth for my liking. To achieve good glue adhesion, I roughen them with 36 grit sandpaper prior to glue up.  You need to be careful with your sanding strokes to keep from buckling the veneers.
--Mike
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: beachbowhunter on February 21, 2014, 05:23:00 PM
This is all good info. Did you get the saw from veneersupply?

I was thinking that it would be pretty cool to trade veneers. I bought a package of sapelle pomelle and was thinking I'd never use all of the sheets. I'd love to trade with you guys!
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: ChuckC on February 21, 2014, 09:24:00 PM
If it is that difficult to deal with, why not clamp between two 1/2" boards and run it thru the bandsaw ?
ChuckC
Title: Re: How do you cut veneers to size?
Post by: Horsey on February 25, 2014, 07:01:00 AM
Yes, I got the saw from veneersupplies.com.