I don't do a lot of veneering, but it's not an uncommon task. When I do it's for small projects such as keepsake boxes, and the like.
I've found that a vacuum bag is indispensable - I bought one meant for making skateboards a few years ago. It wasn't terribly expensive - on the order of $60.00 or so. Google "skateboard vacuum press" and a variety of sources will be found.
I've only used my regular Titebond I or II equivalent glues - and never had a problem. Veneer tape is a must for book matching or any other time you are veneering multiple pieces. For larger projects - large panels, etcetera, I would look at some of the glues and methods others have brought up (I bow to their more relevant experience.) Bottom line - contact cement isn't the right choice - for all the reasons outlined above.
A good veneer and/or plywood blade would also help - although I've never had a problem treating veneer as solid wood - IE, rip blade when ripping, and cross cut blade when cross cutting.
The are a lot of good resources out there on the internet - do a little reading and Youtube watching, and you should be good to go.
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