Timber Veneer - DIY or find someone to do it?

[neevo]

I have a vintage turntable project that I am looking to upgrade with some quality timber veneer. I can easily break down the turntable so it is basically a particle board rectangle with a few holes and cut-outs, so I assume it should be an easy veneer task.

However checking out some veneer supply places in Sydney it looks like I may only have access to large veneer sheets and I am not sure if this a job better left to the professionals?

So, should I:

1. Buy a large sheet of veneer and have a crack? or...
2. Get a pro to do it for me

I'm perfectly happy to have a go, but will kick myself if I cannot get a perfect finish.

Plinth is attached (not mine as I don't have TT yet. jolton49's from Audiokarma)

[woodPixel]

I can't really talk with authority on this project, but I'm keen to find out the names of the veneer suppliers you found.

[neevo]

In the end I've gone the DIY path. I've bought a trim router to try and get a good edge on the veneer and after much reading have decided to go with PVA and clamps as the gluing method.

I bought the veneer from Briggs in Wetherill Park Sydney. They make the veneer to order (usually for commercial jobs) and you can buy cash jobs from them.

I have a thread on Audiokarma (can an amateur upgrade a PL-518) check out how it pans out there.

2400mm x 1200mm paper backed crown cut American Walnut veneer was $168 picked up from their factory.

[Christos]

....2400mm x 1200mm paper backed crown cut American Walnut veneer was $168 picked up from their factory.


That's a big sheet for such a little piece.

[neevo]

That's a big sheet for such a little piece.

That's for sure! Briggs only sell full sheets unfortunately but it's given me lots extra to match some speakers to the turntable.

[Mobyturns]

I can't really talk with authority on this project, but I'm keen to find out the names of the veneer suppliers you found.

Australian veneer suppliers are disappearing fast!

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Britton Timbers are listed in an advert in the latest Australian Wood Review. Welcome (http://www.brittontimbers.com.au). I've never used them but obviously worth looking up. Sharp Plywood in Brisbane used to sell quite small sheets of a wide range of veneers. I have seen, and bought some lovely small-sized packs of Australian veneers from Carba-tec in Brisbane. At the last TWWWS in Brisbane there was a Tasmanian supplier of superb Huon Pine birdseye veneers (Yes, I bought some, but should have purchased more).

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Australian Woodsmith issue 123 also had an advert for veneers by a Peter Scott-Young in East Ringwood Vic. (03) 9870 8733. Once again, I have not dealt with him. However, given Mobyturn's lament that suppliers are disappearing fast perhaps we should all purchase as much as possible from the remaining suppliers to keep them in business? I have for many years spread far and wide any news or information that I have about specialist Australian antique restoration material suppliers in the hope it will keep them in business for the next time I need them. It's called enlightened self-interest!