One for the veneer specialist out there

[Michael at UCD]

I have just purchased a art deco dining table but it needs either; two strips of teak veneer (middle is damaged) about 165cm x 15cm, or a inlay motif of some kind. Although actual matching of colour will be a problem in itself, my major problem is that the modern veneers and marquetry motifs are anywhere from 0.4 to 0.7mm in thickness. I haven't measured exactly, but the current good veneer appears to be around 1.6mm (or more). I've looked around junk shops to get some old veneer without luck; it's either on a nice complete piece, or a really horrible cheap modern piece. I don't want to rip the current veneer off; It's too good (both quality and condition) and would ruin any history.

Four related questions I guess:

1. Is there a technique for adding thickness to the new veneer (without the aid of industrial veneer processing) so it matches the height of the old?
2. The table was built in 1936. Does anyone reckon that the current veneer was actually 'thickened', and what I'm looking at is both the veneer top and an 'attached' base wood? This doesn't appear to be true but I'm willing to be convinced...
2. Are there any marquetry places in Vic? I've had a hunt and can't seem to find any!
3. Can anyone recommend anywhere/anyone that sells 'old' veneers (recovered etc) to the public?

Thanks

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Software for people, not computers

[Shane Watson]

The thickness of old veneer, helps in finding the age of it. The older the piece, usually the thicker the veneer.
I doubt very much that your table top would have been 'thickend' ,but I have seen some pretty strange things done to old furniture. So nothing would surprise me http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/biggrin.gif

Probably the best way to match the thickness of the old veneer is to infact make your own veneer to match. I have seen a jig setup on a drillpress using a drum sander to reduce thick timber to a set width.

Alternatively, I have in the past laminated modern veneer together to double the thickness of it. That worked fine for me with no residual problems, although I don't think I would advise that technique for a table top.

My most common method used in this situation. Is using veneer from other old projects that I have in my timber pile. Another words, if I replace a veneer table top for a solid timber top, I keep the veneer off the old top. I may never use it, but should the need arise I may just have the species at the needed thickness on hand.

I am sure there are other solutions to your problem, so lets see what others suggest.

As for your other questions, I çan't help you. But I am sure someone here will be able to put you in contact with suppliers. If not a quick search on the net should help.

HTH


Cheers



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Shane Watson..

Combine Love & Skill & You Can Expect A Masterpiece!