1st Veneer Attempt. Questions…

[Nickbee]

OK guys, here’s the plan…

I’m going to make a 2ft tall plant stand using rail / stile and panels. I’m going to use 2x2 Oak from home cheapo for the rails / stiles and a veneered panels (for the panels obviously). I’m not going to have to do anything fancy since the edges of the panels are going to be hidden in the rails / stiles. The panels are going to be about 6” x 20”. Would ½” MDF be a good substrate? Of course I’m going to veneer both sides to avoid warping. My thought was to use this beech birds eye birch since it should contrast with the red oak nicely (and its cheep)

http://www.veneersupplies.com/produc...oducts_id=4580

Will this be easy to work with for a n00b like me?

What would be a good glue to use? I was just thinking titebond II (since this is a light colored veneer) and lots of weight.

Tell me what you think…

[curiousgeorge]

Hi Nickbee,
I don't think I would use any MDF on a plant stand if there will be any watering of the plants involved or used outside. That stuff just swells up and/or disintegrates when wet. Why not just use 1/4" oak ply for the panels instead?

If you want to use a different veneer you could just apply it to the oak ply panels. If it is for outside use you should use Titebond III or contact cement.

Applying veneer isn't all that hard you just have to be sure to get all the bubbles out using a roller of some sort and apply even pressure on the surface while the glue/cement is drying

[Nickbee]

this will be used inside with a pot and pot saucer. So it should not be getting wet (but you never know)...

I wanted to use something to contrast with the oak... that's why I had the idea of the light colored veneer...

[Joe Lyddon]

I think if you seal it good with your finishing, including ends of legs, etc., you will be OK.

Seal everything... everywhere...

MDF does NOT like moisture... it will merely fall apart...

[Nickbee]

okay!!!! sealing is related to other questions I have.

The thing is going to be rails and stiles with the veneered panels. 4 2x2's in the corners are going to make up the rails (or are those the stiles?)... So should this get finished all together after it gets glued up? Is it ok that just the outside surfaces are getting finished? Once it's glues together the inside won't be accessible. I plan to use some kind of poly.

Also if I use MDF with the veneer should I glue in the panel or leave it "floating"? AS you can tell this project will have lots of firsts for me. It will also be my 1st project on my new router table.