At a simple level, veneering is the process of applying thin layers of decorative wood over less expensive structural materials. There are many ways to do this, but some of the most refined techniques were developed centuries ago by 17th and 18th century furniture makers who perfected the technique we now call “hammer veneering.” As we learn here, a few modern-day artisans still prefer this time-honored technique to create the highest quality work. One of those practitioners is San Diego-based furniture conservator Patrick Edwards, an accomplished furniture maker, woodworking historian, and hand-tool expert.
In this video, without the benefit of powered vacuum presses or perfectly flat plywood substrates, Patrick reveals an entire hammer veneering process. You’ll learn step-by-step how to “tooth” or make perfectly flat the substrate wood, how to glue down simple veneers using a veneer hammer & animal protein glues, how to create an exquisitely tight veneered joint, how to insert decorative inlays, and how best to prepare the project for final finishing. Patrick has made a career out of preserving the extraordinary skills of the old masters and in so doing he’s become a modern master himself. Patrick is a fantastic teacher and woodworking scholar and I’m confident you’ll enjoy this very special WoodTreks video adventure. (13 Minute Woodworking Video)
Patrick Edwards is President of Antique Refinishers, Inc. which offers restoration, conservation and reproduction of pre-industrial American and European furniture for dealers, private collectors, and institutions. Mr. Edward also owns and instructs at the American School of French Marquetry, Inc. Both business are based on San Diego, California.
Comments
Keith – Wow! That was excellent. Thank you. This is one of my favorite topics . . . I will be watching this again!
Hello Keith, greetings and many thanks from Germany. Great video. I am very impressed. I’ve learned so much from your videos.
Keep it up!
Thomas
Great video. Can’t wait to see the next one and I hope the recipe is included!
This is completely new information for me. I have never heard of this and its very interesting. Great video as always Keith.
Looking forward to the video about a traditional european workbench. Great site and videos. Thank you!
Keith, you have beyond the shadow of a doubt THE best woodworking video’s on the web! Keep it up!
Very nicely presented information.Thanks Keith and well done to Mr. Edwards.
Thanks for the new video, well it’s new to me. Anyway, that was enlightening. I had wondered how veneering was done. I have an older dresser that has a couple places that need to be fixed. I may not be able to do it (yet) but now I have a starting point for practicing.
Doug-Evansville, IN
Keith
Glad to see you back after your trek to the west. As always a great video – I have always had an interest in veneering and have been dabbleling – this was very well produced and informative. An add on would be the Woodwright PBS show on veneering – a little different presentation but very complementary. I think your production quality and presentation skills rival the Woodwright – a big complement in my opinion, keep up the great work. Also kudos to Patrick Edwards.
Hi Keith,
This is yet another wonderfully informative, skillfully produced video. I’m looking forward to more.
I still think your videos should be on TV.
Rob
Superb in both content and production! The last time I put veneer on the top of an old cabinet, I went headlong into the project and used contact cement. Through no fault of my own, it turned out well, and it still looks good after 30 plus years. But I like the old method better. Now I know how a veneer hammer is used. Thanks Keith for another great tutorial video.
I enjoyed the presentation. I used to work with hide glue as a boy working in a boat yard. This video brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for your hard work
I’ve never come across any web site with such great demos. Hands down, one of the best woodworking resources.
When Patrick Edwards shows how to put an inlayed decorative strip into his veneer, he cuts a “slot” with a veneer saw, and then drops a strip of precut veneer into it. But he did not measure the width of the slot or the width of the strip. So how does he insure that there won’t be a gap?
Keith’s Note: Ken, you win the award today for most inquisitive viewer! Most normal folks would indeed need to measure the width and cut a piece to fit. In Patrick’s case, he is so skilled that he could eyeball the cut to make use of a strip he had already cut. There are various ways of fitting inlays, which we didn’t have time to cover in this video. But stay tuned. We’ll get back to this topic in the future.
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