PDX Bob

cbf123's suggestion to use packing tape is 100% right on. Plus there are handy dispensers to make it really easy to apply to your cauls.

Let's say that you are making a table top using $180 per board foot exotic hardwood of which you have a limited supply. Obviously, this calls for shop made veneers on both sides of a substrate and solid edge banding. So then, what do you use for substrate? My veneering expert friend has convinced me that Medex MDF is the very best choice..., and I agree. The finished table with M&T joinery and solid hardwood everywhere but the top will most certainly qualify as fine furniture.

It is not always a matter of saving money. In some cases, it is saving precious wood. I am presently building an end table with a Honduran Mahogany top. Since this wood is becoming scarce, I am putting my 1/16 thick shop made Mahogany veneer on a plywood substrate, with solid wood edge banding. The finished result will be very nice. I recently built a hall table with curly Koa veneers on the top and drawer fronts. With woods that are in short supply, using veneers on plywood or MDF substrate is the responsible way to utilize these resources.