Here’s what I devised for platens or is it cauls? Maybe they are the one in the same? Someone who knows what they are talking about can chime in on this. Back to my platens / cauls:
3 layers of ¾” MDF and a layer 1/8” cork sheet. Marc Adams discusses on his pod cast how a clamp’s pressure distributes more evenly the further away it is. That’s the reason for the 3 layers of MDF. I figured the cork sheet would be a good idea because of the slightly uneven surface of the burl. But I bet it’s not necessary. Before breaking out the glue I cover the cork with wax paper:
Here’s the glue I’m using as recommended by Joe on veneersupplies.com:
The extra dark color should work well in case there is bleed through.
I also picked up a glue roller from veneer suppies.com:
The thin dense foam of the roller made spreading a thin even layer of glue a snap. From what I’ve read the glue should look like a layer of thin wet paint.
I place the veneer on the panel and go over it with seam roller. This works well with the initial tack of the glue. I hope this keeps everything in place as I clamp down:
I get as many clamps as I can around the platens and apply gradual even pressure from clamp to clamp:
I set my timer for an hour and wait with anticipation!