Reading an article on inlaying a wooden box with a serpentine front. The author refers to crossband veneering the serpentine front – he kerfs the back of the veneer so it can bend – makes sense. But later on he mentions that the (flat top of the box is veneered but not crossbanded. The veneer is swirl crotch mahogany.
Here’s a picture of the box in question.
So what is the crossbanding on the front? Is that just a term for kerfing the back of the veneer?
Replies
The cross banding would be the piece going across the bottom.
Aha! Hence the need to kerf it, since the grain goes horizontally.Thanks,Kent
Kentmich
Crossbanding of veneer is the addition of a second layer of veneer under the show veneer. The grain of the second layer typically runs across the grain of the show veneer. This technique is used to reinforce the show veneer when veneering over a curved surface. I have used this when gluing a marquetry "skin" to a curved drum. I laminated the two layers together while they were held against the curve. Then when the glue set, the laminated pair take the shape of the curve. (with some springback) Then I glued the laminated pair to the curved core to make the final piece.
I hope this is clear. Good luck, Tom.
I suppose the answer depends on the definition of crossbanding that is being used.
http://books.google.com/books?id=WI3UOuM_nicC&pg=PA71&lpg=PA71&dq=veneer+cross+banding&source=web&ots=2ivS0L1B8y&sig=ljpe5ZnSe-GflAk_MAyfxbtSVUs
http://books.google.com/books?id=AHjdVVTZ9cMC&pg=PA307&lpg=PA307&dq=veneer+cross+banding&source=web&ots=WLeKPwcyHj&sig=4MicC34hVFl01NL6NXrPjIqwv7w#PPA306,M1
I think your answer is likely more correct in this instance.
Tom,
I understand the concept that first forming the two veneers together over the curved base will allow the finished double veneer to hold that shape more easily when finally glued to the base. The double layer would then have a stronger adherence to the base. What I don't get is why it gives additional strength or stability to the top or show layer. Would not the show layer be just as inclined to peel off the crossband layer as it would if applied directly to the base piece?
Your question is an excellent one and caused me to stop and think more critically about cross banding. I have always thought that the simple answer is that cross banding is like creating a simple plywood and would be more stable for the same reasons. The lamination is more stable and stronger prior to applying to the core. After application to the core, the seasonal variations will created movement in different directions, so the layers reinforce each other. I think that I will seek out a couple of my friendly experts for more information. Stay tuned.
Hi, again,
I just received a reply from Paul Schurch about his cross banding practices and experience. He uses cross banding to give the show veneer more strength and prevent post checking when applying to a core other than MDF or medex. (in doing curved work) He uses two cross banding layers with cross grain, gluing the show veneer (in his case, that is usually marquetry) to them to create a form of plywood. He then glues finished three ply to the curved core, which is perhaps plywood. Using only the top layer may result in internal checking which will only show up later. He will use a single layer of cross banding only if the show veneer grain is a single direction.So, the answer to your question is that cross banding is used primarily when gluing a show veneer or marquetry skin to a curved surface. It is used to prevent internal checking from showing through to the surface over time. I hope this is helpful for you. It certainly helped to clarify the issue for me.Best regards, Tom.
Tom,
I'm still not that clear on how the cross grain actually accomplishes that; it'll probably become clearer to me with some experience in it. But if the experts say it helps then that's enough to cause me to use it (I wasted a lot of time once, only to find somebody before me had already invented the wheel).Thanks for your help.Kent
Edited 2/6/2008 8:24 am ET by KentMich
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