Hand Veneering

Learn the traditional craft of hand veneering and turn a piece of plywood into a work of art.

More about this course

On this course you will be taught the necessary skills to hand veneer. This course is suitable for beginners and for those with some experience. The course will appeal to anyone involved in the preservation of artefacts as well as those who wish to use techniques in the production of their art or craft work. These might include professionals and volunteers in museums, galleries and heritage organisations.

Course structure

Day one:

• Introduction to the course, icebreaker, health and safety.
• Appraisal of the all the tools/machines and the processes of using and maintaining their effectiveness.
• Looking at materials used in hand veneering.
• Identifying the boards to be used that have been previously edged.
• Designs for the top board to be discussed and sketched.
• Board preparation. How to, with what and why.
• Veneer prep and laying of it in two halves being book matched to the back/bottom of the board using the veneer hammer and glue.
• Fault finding and trimming off.

Day two:

• Recapping on processes and correct any faults found.
• Continuing with the design for the top and preparation of the veneer for the top.
• Discussing the different types of veneers and the variables of using them.
• Starting application of the top veneers in the discussed sequences to effect the design. Cleaning up, trimming and clamping.
• Uses of the scratch stock and removal of the waste veneer.

Day three:

• Recapping of the methods used and continue to lay the top design with banding and stringing.
• Discussing other methods of veneering and asymmetrical/symmetrical designs.
• Continuing with the designs for the top and processes involved for laying in a piece of parquetry and the cutting of this and securing the pieces accurately.

Day four:

• Reviewing and recapping on the progress of the top designs with the banding/stringing and parquetry.
• Making adjustments where necessary and introducing the materials and tools used to clean up.
• Continuing with cleaning up the boards, both sides and possibly the edges.
• Discussing the processes of using Shellac finishes to enhance the board.
• Discussing the course and gain feedback.