Veneering a box lid

[ClintO]

I have done a search on veneering but it mostly seems to focus on glueing and clamping techniques.
I want to try my hand at a veneered lid for a jewellery box. I was thinking about using 3mm MDF as a core.
What I am unsure about is the technique for cutting to size.
Should I cut the MDF to final dimensions and the veneer slightly oversize?
What would bethe best way to trim the veneer?
Should I do one side and trim to size before doing the other? I would imagine that if I try and do both sides together and then trim I could damage one side.
you might have noticed that I have a tendency to overthink these things before doingthem. Unfortunately this doesnt mean that I make any fewer mistakes.
Clint

[DanP]

When I did mine I cut the MDF to size, veneered it with the veneer a couple of mm oversize, then carefully trimmed it with a SHARP chisel. I only veneered one side. The other side had a mirror attached to it later on.

Dan

[powderpost]

Clint, I make a few boxes and use veneer too. MDF is ok for grounds but it is wise to veneer both sides to control movement. A system I use is to veneer the face of the mdf and trim on the band saw to about 1mm oversize. Then veneer the reverse side and and trim off the excess veneer with a veneer saw (have a look in Carba-tec catalogue). Final sizing is done on a sandpaper board. These panels are usually fitted into a frame similar to a picture frane with a shallow rebate to accommodate the panel. Have a look at www.geocities.com/jimmac_4880/Jimsshed.html (http://www.geocities.com/jimmac_4880/Jimsshed.html)

Hope this helps.
Jim

[NewLou]

If you've got messenger I'd be happy to transfer some videos to you about veneering using MDF

PM me if your interested

REgards Lou

[steve54123alt]

I use ply most of the as the top is normally framed and I use animal glue as there is minimal / no movement, but I still do both sides (looks better) and I use a knife to trim the edges to the size of the core. (So veneer oversize).

If I’m using a brittle veneer that is likely to chip or tear out I go straight for the veneer saw.

[Snowy]

Clint
I use ply for my box lids and veneer both sides at once. I sandwich the ply and veneers between MDF with wax paper and use a bookbinders press. I make my lids oversize and then cut my veneers oversize with a veneer saw and then trim them back with a sharp chisel. I then size my lid accordingly on the tablesaw.
Hope this helps

Snowy