Using veneer on stiles question

[Joe McMahon]

I am building an Arts & Crafts armoire from QSWO. On the door I want to employ a veneer that has Stickley inlaid decorations on it for each stile. I glued the veneer to the QSWO stiles and am waiting for them to dry. It just occurred to me that the edges of the veneer will not be protected in any way. I am concerned that the edges would easily chip off. Are my fears unfounded? If not, any ideas of what I can do to protect the edges so they do not delaminate?

[Chris Fournier]

Certainly a delicate situation but if the veneer is properly glued down and you ease the corner it won't likely chip. I do this often but with heavier veneer than commercially sliced.

[Chris Padilla]

If you shop-cut your own veneer to something like 1/16", it can do fine assuming it is glued down well.

Otherwise, think of it like plywood...how do you protects its edges?

[Joe McMahon]

This was commercial veneer with the inlay attached. That is why I am using QSWO veneer over QSWO boards. As far as plywood goes, I edge band plywood in solid material. I guess I could do that, but it would be very noticeable and not very attractive. I have no idea.

[Joe McMahon]

Chris, exactly what do you mean by "ease the corner"? A chamfer, a slight radius?

[Chris Padilla]

Right...edge band and I agree further, it might not be that attractive but it just depends on the look you're going for and how much you want to worry about the edge.

I would interpret Chris' words as you did and I'd do it by hand with 400 grit.

[Stew Hagerty]

Here's an idea for protecting the edge... Why not put a bead around the edges? Yes it would be noticeable, but it would be on purpose.

Something like this.

Beaded Door & Drawer.jpg

[Joe McMahon]

It doesn't really fit the arts & crafts Mission style. Thanks for the idea though.

[Gerry Grzadzinski]

Otherwise, think of it like plywood...how do you protects its edges?

It's not a plywood substrate, so you don't need to protect it's edges. As long as you have a good glue joint, for all practical purposes it should act like a solid piece of wood, which it is.

[Joe McMahon]

OK, I think I will take the collective advice and chamfer with 400 grit sandpaper by hand and be done. Thanks for the help.

[Chris Fournier]

A light touch with 220 would do it.

[Joe Calhoon]

It's not a plywood substrate, so you don't need to protect it's edges. As long as you have a good glue joint, for all practical purposes it should act like a solid piece of wood, which it is.

I agree with this. High end veneer work on laid up panels is always banded first then the veneer over the top of the banding. This is sort of the same thing except you are using solid wood.