Replies

1. 
   ring | Dec 13, 2008 11:40am | #1

   If it feels very brittle and cracks just being handled then you're better off tossing it out. If it feels OK then it's OK to use. In theory it can last forever but it depends on the MC during storage. I've seen that many veneer warehouses keep the stacks under cloth covers to keep them from drying out, and their stock doesn't hang around for years.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e

2. 
   Rich14 | Dec 13, 2008 04:53pm | #2

   It doesn't "deteriorate" unless it's been eaten by rot or mold. There's no "expiration date" on wood.

   It "dries" to the point that it can become very hard to handle without damaging, until you restore enough moisture. You can't over "moisturize" it. After all, when we use hide glue, we're literally soaking the veneer in water during the process.

   I've had rolls of veneer that old that I've let unroll on their own, until I could start to push them flat by weighting them down a little at a time. Frequently misting them with a spray bottle as they unrolled, and as I began to apply weighting boards, was all that was needed.

   As long as you go slowly and handle such veneer carefully until they are pliable, there is no real problem. Carefully tape any cracks so they don't propagate.

   Rich

   
   

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   Edited 12/13/2008 8:54 am ET by Rich14