My first question is if your going to paint it black, why veneer it in the
first place when some good baltic beerch plywood would serve you just as
well? Hide glue is the traditional glue to use for veneering as it is easy
to use and repair. I personally don't like contact cement as it's a one
shot glue. You have to get it right the first time or your screwed. If you
are going to use veneer remember to veneer both sides of the plywood
otherwise your piece will bow on you.
Be sure to use a roller to press the veneer down on the plywood so that it
makes good contact. Good luck,
Ross

"Jack Schumacher" wrote in message
m...
Greetings Fellow Craftsmen!
Your excellent advice would be highly appreciated.

I'm a weekend woodworker/hobbyist. Before I begin my latest project,
I would like to seek some advice regarding veneers.

I want to build a few nesting tables (biggest tabletop being 2 by 3
feet) using plywood as the substrate for some maple veneer (not
paperbacked, does that make it raw??). Then I plan to dye the tops
black (using water-based dye), and finish the tables with shellac.

Just wondering what would be the best way to attach the veneer to the
plywood. Keeping in mind that I don't have a veneer press or vacuum
bag, would contact cement be a good solution, or just plain yellow
glue, or maybe hide glue? Any other solutions? Will any of the
adhesives react badly with the water-based dyes or shellac? I'm
looking for a good bond that can handle some abuse (I do plan on using
these tables a lot).

Again, any advice would be highly appreciated.

Jack