If you've thought veneering was difficult and have avoided doing a veneered project, then you owe yourself the opportunity to read Jon Benson's book. He clearly explains nearly every aspect of veneering from log to finished project without over-stressing any particular concepts. This keeps the reading enjoyable, interesting, and surprisingly helpful.
If you're interested in vacuum bagging a veneered projects, this book has it covered. Looking for alternative veneering methods? Well... this book covers many alternative veneering methods as well. For inspiration, there are countless pictures of various veneer projects.
From the publisher:Woodworkers will learn how veneer is manufactured and how to choose glue, adhesives, and substrates; band-saw their own veneers; cut, match, and tape veneer panels; accomplish complete four-way matches; and other procedural skills in this expert guide. These techniques are demonstrated through a series of step-by-step exercises that culminate in four finished projects: a dining room table, a wall mirror with shelf, a marquetry picture, and a parquetry design. Complete with a troubleshooting section for repairs and problems and featuring contemporary methods and materials, such as hammer veneering with PVA glue and vacuum pressing of flat and curved panels, this reference is the most inclusive resource for working with veneer and inlay designs.
Jonathan Benson is a professional furniture maker who specializes in contemporary curved pieces with extensive veneer figures. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has won numerous prestigious design awards and is the author of Wood Art Today. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa.
Review by Chad Martinez
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This is one of the best veneering books available. The techniques are explained very well and the pictures are very helpful. Contains a lot of great ideas that I will be using on upcoming projects. The author writes very plainly as if he were speaking to your directly. This is worth having in your collection of woodworking books.
Review by Mark Shiff
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This book has pulled a flailing learner in the right direction, before it was too late. It's language and photos are concise; it has raised questions to further research, and answered many that my only other sourceCharles Haywarddid not (my only other source). A fine companionable book.
Review by David L Cahoon
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I really enjoyed the read - a lot of good tips and techniques. I was surprised that Veneer Supplies was not listed as a supplier! It will help me on this current new project.
[Note from Joe: We put a copy of a letter from the author inside the cover that has his very positive comments about our website. He is one of our customers!]