Saratoga Joinery

Join us for Fun and Games with Veneer – An Introduction to the Creative World of Veneering!

Learning to work with veneer opens up an exciting new world of design possibilities for woodworkers! In this hands-on class, students discover the stunning array of veneer colors and grain patterns available to them, and practice techniques that unlock design options free from the constraints of solid wood construction. Each student builds a set of elegant beverage coasters and a starts work on a handsome chess/checkerboard.

You will learn:

• How to select, handle, cut, and join veneer to create original designs and patterns.
• Proper methods for preparing a stable plywood substrate, applying hardwood edging, and gluing your veneer pattern to it successfully.
• Sanding and finishing strategies.
• How to incorporate these skills into many other aspects of woodworking - veneered doors, drawer fronts, panels, tops, veneered boxes, and more!

This course is open to anyone interested in working with veneer – from beginning woodworkers to experienced makers looking to expand their repertoire.

Class Outline:

Day 1:

• Introduction to veneer presentation
• How to unpack, select, handle veneer
• Coaster with triangles - cut triangles and assemble, cut and apply mitered wide edging, trim substrate to final size and apply hardwood edging, flush edging (hand plane or router table) and trim to final size
• Press veneer using a vacuum bag
• Sand and apply finish

Day 2:

• Complete a coaster with checkerboard pattern following the same process from day one, getting you ready for Day 3 by practicing on a smaller scale checkerboard pattern

Day 3:

• Make a full-size checkerboard. The checkerboard will use similar steps to the prior two days, but on a larger scale. Given the number of veneer pieces involved, a bit more precision is necessary.

Note: This is a 3 day class, please make sure you are available for all dates that the class is held.