Here’s a cheap and easy way to trim long edges of veneer. Make a guide from 3/4-in. stock as long as the veneer, joint the edge straight and band with Formica. Put a lever acting hold-down on each end of the guide board. Then set the veneer on the board, put a shorter piece of 3/4-in. stock on top and tighten the hold-downs, as shown. Set the shaper or router cutter back 1/16 in. from the edge of the fence so that the cutter won’t nick the edges of the guide boards as it trims the veneer. Trim with the grain of the veneer to prevent chipping, and be careful to hold onto the board. With this method I’ve joined veneers for 4-ft. x 10-ft. conference table tops with no problems.

Jim Sieburg, Chicago, Ill.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, Spring 1978 No. 10

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