How about just buying some maple veneered plywood (readily available from
most lumber suppliers)? Birch would probably work just as well if you're
just going to dye it. There's no point in trying to do veneering on a
project like this when you can get it factory done.
Veneering to me means using speciality veneers that you want to use to
highlight a piece. I've gone to a vacuum press for my veneering but prior to
that, my method of choice was to use liquid hide glue for the adhesive. I'd
then take my plywood, set it on top of a larger piece of ply on the floor.
Then a larger piece on top (over some wax paper) with weight evenly
distributed on it to "press" it. A couple of hundred pounds (dumbbells,
sandbags, dog food, etc) works well. Key is to make sure your top piece is
firmly pressing across the entire surface of your veneered piece - no
warping or cupping of the top. For smaller pieces I've rarely had any
trouble with that.

FWIW
Gary in KC


"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