I am planning to make a counter top from bandsawn cherry veneer over MDF. I would like to make the veneer thick enough so the normal abuse does not cut through the veneer. How thick should I make it? Is there a maximum thickness to veneers before you run into a problem of differential wood movement between the free face and the face glued to the substrate? Also, what makes for a compatible veneer material on the other side of the substrate?
Thanks,
Replies
Hi Round, What is the substrate? If it is plywood, I believe it doesn't matter much. If solid core wood, just make sure that the opposite side has the same veneer. If you treat both sides the same, everything will even out. See what other people think, however. Good luck!
Oh, sorry, you said MDF. Just make sure both sides are the same, my mistake. Good luck!
Hi,
Generally 1/8" is considered the limit on thickness for a custom veneer thickness. Anything over that and the stock will act more like wood and not have its movement canceled out by a substrate. I would use the same species myself, but check the shrinkage charts that the USFS puts out to see about using something cheaper that moves the same as cherry. Same thickness however on both faces. Keep it at a fat 1/16" and you won't have wear issues or movement ones. Good luck.
Gary Rogowski
http://www.northwestwoodworking.com
Thanks for the information. It is very clear and very helpful.
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