On 2/17/2010 11:33 AM, dadiOH wrote:
eclipsme wrote:
I am about to make new cabinets for the kitchen. I am thinking of all
drawers for the bottoms, with the drawer fronts being applied veneer.
Each bank of drawers would come from the same veneer piece with the
grain running vertically so the grain will be continuous. The veneer
will be glued onto the substrate with a vacuum press.

My problem is that I have rather limited experience with veneering and
have a few questions.

What kind of veneer would be appropriate for this? Should I use
paper-backed, 2-Ply veneer or something else? I am thinking that I
would purchase 4x8 veneers.

I will be using glue-backed tape for the edges. Will the paper in the
paper-backed veneer show along the seem with the tape?

That is a distinct possibility. Given the thinness of the face veneer you
would have to cut the edging flush to it...if your cut dips much, the paper
on the face veneer would show. Also, cutting the edging flush is going to
give you pretty sharp edges...the edging is thin enough that you can't round
it much.

There are two ways you could avoid the potential problem(s)...
1. Don't use paper backed veneer
2. Use solid wood for the edging, cut thick enough so it can easily be flush
to the face but rounded a bit to relieve the edge.

Personally, I'd do both.
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Which would be better for the backing - MDF or Birch ply? I think for
doors I would use MDF, but for drawer fronts do I need the extra
strength of ply?

I'd just use ply that already has the face veneer I wanted.
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Am I correct in thinking that it would be best to veneer full sheets
of plywood before cutting?

Your press will take full sheets?

If so, I think it is pretty much six of one and a half dozen of the other
assuming you can cut up the veneered sheet without chipping the veneer.

If not - or if you choose to veneer cut pieces - you were concerned about
the vacuum breaking the overhanging veneer. I've never used a vacuum press
but is their any you couldn't support the overhang with pieces of the
substrate?

Again, it would be just worlds easier to use ply with the veneer you want
already on it.
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I will also need to veneer some end panels on the cabinets. The
carcass will be made of 3/4 birch. Do I really need to veneer both
sides of these panels?

The "how to" always says to do so. I've done it both ways, NP with eiher.
A one side veneered panel has to be stout and firmly afixed wherever it is
going though.
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Are there any sites you would especially recommend - or books for that
matter?

See my other post in the thread.

Thanks a lot for the advice. Yes, I have found a couple of places in
Orlando to purchase from. I think my main problem has been figuring out
exactly what I want and getting prices on that. Most places seem to want
you to go through the setup an account process before quoting prices.
Anyway, I am making progress, and thank you for your direction.

Harvey