Veneers & Curves

“… I think that, used properly, veneer has certain advantages, among them added structural strength, unbroken calm (or patterned) surfaces, and freedom of direction. Furthermore a properly done veneered surface is stable; it has no give-and-take, will warp very little or not at all. Last but not least, veneer properly sawn and properly used by the craftsman is not a substitute, a similar but inferior wood: It is actually the wood out of which we are making something meaning full. It is something for which we don’t want to make any excuses.”

James Krenov 1979

In this program, students will be offered a look at the possibilities, which exist outside straight lines and solid wood construction.

We begin the week with a coopering exercise. Students are given the opportunity to explore material selection, edge jointing, clamping methods and shaping a curved solid wood door panel using hand planes made in Plane Making & Surfaces or ones provided for use at the school.

Veneer offers possibilities to the maker that are otherwise unavailable in solid wood construction. Cutting our own veneers enables the maker to produce stable, sheered surfaces, while also conserving precious wood. Both Mechanical Press and vacuum press methods will be demonstrated.

Students will complete the Sailing exercise. Using the coopered panel made in the beginning of the program, students will explore lumber core substraights including crossbanding and baked in edges to create a stable surface for their shops sawn veneer. Students will be given the opportunity to explore parquetry and marquetry. Each student will make a solid wood form to match the live curve of the veneered panel. We complete the week veneering the panels using the vacuum press using bag to bag or mechanical form methods. Applied edges will then be applied and cleaned up using smoothing and coopering planes.

Provided Tools

• Recommended Tools are available for loan to students while at the school upon request
• 1 1/2" Wooden Smoothing Plane
• 1 1/4" Wooden Jointer Plane
• 1 1/2" Wooden Coopering Plane
  

Recommended Tools

• Plane Adjustment Hammer
• Low Angle Block Plane
• Spokeshave
• Cabinet Scraper
• Card Scrapers
• Small Square
• Water Stones 1000 & 8000
• Mill Bastard File*
• Safety Glasses
• Hearing Protectors

* Tools are available for purchase at the school

Recommended Text

The Impractical Cabinetmaker by James Krenov

Artisan & Resident Artisan Programs l Graphics & Edges l Plane Making & Surfaces

Joinery & Balance l Drawer Making & Fitting l Veneers & Curves l Hardware & Finish