I have previously only used paper-backed veneer with contact adhesive. For this project I am using raw veneer (walnut, fairly flat) and MDF substrate. I don't have vacuum equipment. On the bottom of each panel I have a 10-inch concave radius in the 3/4 MDF and I need to adhere a narrow strip of the walnut to cover it. The grain orientation of the walnut is not important.
My initial plan was to use a cold-press veneer glue and make some hemispherical clamping cauls sized to fit into the arch minus a small amount to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. This seems potentially problematic for two reasons: sizing the caul precisely and clamping it to the panel. I also need to do 8 of these panels and would have to do them in batches since I don't have enough clamps or space.
My other idea is to use heat-activated glue (which I am using for the rest of the project) and use a hair curling iron from the local charity shop to heat it. Does it seem reasonable that I would get enough surface area contact to get a good bond?
Is there another approach more practical?
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