Veneer question

[charliex]

I know that store bought veneer is very thin and I would like to try veneering BB ply. using my own re-saw veneer. My question is: What is the max thickness that can should be used? Also what problems can come from using thicker veneer? Say on the order of 3/16. Thanks in advance for your responses.
Chas

[Tom Slick]

We used to veneer 1/4 thick wood onto ash, poplar and bass. no issues.

[Uncle Cracker]

At 3/16", it will be thick enough to curl and pull loose if the glue-up is not thorough. But if you coat it right and clamp it good, you'll be golden.

[drumpriest]

I use my own sawn veneers for marquetry as, and I typically go with 1/16". resaw at 3/32", and drum sand down to 1/16". So long as your veneers are balanced, I don't think you'd have issues going thicker though. Perhaps a bigger question is why would you use thicker? The 1/16" for marquetry is so that it'll hold together without issues when sawing it. It's also nice to have enough there that a scratch or small dent isn't tragic. If you are worried about being able to resaw that with accuracy, it takes practice, and test cuts to get your drift angle tweaked out, and a high aux fence for the BS, but isn't really all THAT hard.

[cabinetman]

Actually you could use the term "veneer" to cover most thicknesses or even the word "lamination" may apply. As stated, using the proper glue and clamping (pressure) procedures, will insure a good bond.
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[Carlos]

Depending on the wood, and its age, you may have some stability issues due to internal stresses and moisture release. Ask me how I know this... I have learned to cut it and then let it sit for a while before use.

My latest home-sawn veneer came out at .07" thick and was a bit of a pain to glue up due to Wenge's internal stresses that show up immediately on a thin re-saw. When I tried a thicker piece, that was much more stable.

[drumpriest]

Carlos does raise a good point. There are some species that are particularly prone to developing these stresses, and creating problems. Wenge is one, for sure, as is Lignum Vitae.