Applying A New Veneer - second attempt restoring a mid century coffee table

In this video I work on a project which I previously failed on - repairing and re-veneering a mid century coffee table. This time I apply the veneer with wood glue!
Original video about this table: bit.ly/2SrcnoI
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[@tommasogiangrande8096]

Hey Keith. First of all I'm a big fan of the channel and thanks for all the entertaining content you put out. I am a professional cabinetmaker and have done lots of work with veneer. I love it but it does present many challenges and it can be discouraging especially for beginners and hobbyist woodworkers, so I admire your determination. I have a few observation I would like to share and hopefully you'll find them helpful. The bubbles that you got under your first table probably had little to do with your finish and more with the inadequate pressure that was applied to the veneer and it might happen again to this top as well. When pressing veneer with contact cement you must start from the centre and work your way out making sure not to miss any spots, also it looked like you had way to much contact cement, all you really need is a very thin layer applied to both surfaces. Also contact cement is not ideal for "raw" veneer but it mostly works well for paper backed sheets. Regular veneer needs to be pressed, a very common and fairly inexpensive way to do it is to make your self a small vacuum press, they store in a compact space as well. Another observation I have is about the leafs you were using, they were way too dry to work with, instead of spraying it with water what you need is veneer softener, which will make the veneer malleable and less likely to break. Also the proper way to seam veneer is to do it before it gets glued to the substrate; for that you need proper veneer tape. you can also use the tape to stitch the cracks together so that when you lay or press the veneer there is less risk of the crack travelling and expanding. In my opinion the easiest way to get introduced to the world of veneering is with paper backed sheets and contact cement. it doesn't require a press and paper backed is not nearly as fragile and it doesn't dry out as much ether. I also suggest checking out some books on the topic there are lots of good ones out there. Veneering is a fantastic and very satisfying part of furniture making and it can really step up your work if done correctly but unfortunately is not something that can be rushed, it requires the proper set up and the proper tools. I hope you find any of this helpful and good luck. Looking forward to the next project, hopefully with veneer. Cheers from Canada!

[@fowlmouth824]

Thanks from viewers too buddy! We all learn from the greats!

[@johncole9964]

I was going to reply and make pretty much the same points as Tommaso, but he gave a very eloquent reply. If you follow this advise you will do better next time.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you so much for the great advice 👍

[@PaulTunnicliffeChannel]

That's some really helpful information thanks for sharing.

[@alext9067]

Good points. Question; I have never done veneering. Only plastic laminate. We used a heavy hand roller for that. Is it possible to use a roller instead of a vacuum press? Also, is shellac at all useful as a sealant to keep the wood surfaces from absorbing the solvent in the cement? Cheers and thanks for letting us know some new facts.

[@1959ticktock]

Really good video Keith. You are so honest about what you expect and what you achieve. A rare thing on KZbin to this extent.

[@TuckerSP2011]

I find his honesty so refreshing. It helps to educate anyone who is interested in these processes. I think the final result was fairly good. Not sure it was worth the effort but it does get your experience to the next level.

[@PaulTunnicliffeChannel]

It's great to see you going back to the table Keith. Not many KZbinrs share mistakes or projects that haven't gone how they hoped and I really respect that. Keep up the great work man.

[@ColonelCustard]

Patience, determination, craftsmanship, willingness to try new techniques, open to suggestion, sense of humour. Formula for success if ever there was one. I would love to own one of the "things" you've made! 👍

[@meqt172005]

I'm glad you decided to revisit this project. I think it came out really nice!

[@markharris5771]

Bloody well done Kieth, as much for going back and giving it another try as for the final result. It’s certainly a lot better than I could hope for and you should be very proud of yourself.

[@HBTwoodworking]

Keith, I appreciate your honesty and sharing the entire experience versus just the successes. This has all been helpful as I’m new to veneering, as well. Thank you.

[@alasdairmackenzie515]

Excellent! Glad you persevered.

[@donaldpowell7762]

Thank you for the insight! I hope your experimentation helps me in future projects.

[@ksp1278]

Thanks for revisiting this project. Looks great to me

[@theopiner402]

I admire your willingness to try new projects, as well as your honesty when it comes to the mistakes you make.

[@NomadMakes]

I think it is great that you did not give up on this project.

[@jp_makes]

Really glad you persevered and gave this another go. It turned out great!

[@inkman1960]

Keith, you are an inspiration to me to try what i might fear trying. - Thanks

[@jedimasterham2]

General Finishes Antique Walnut Gel Stain is excellent to use. Wipe on, wipe off.

[@eisbaerbel]

Fantastic job, Keith. I really love your work as well as your honesty. Good man...

[@eyesofthegoddess2967]

Just love the table now. Great work for a second time.

[@frankyboy4409]

Great that you chose to pick up this project again, just saw the "1st part" :)

[@chrisharrison6532]

Hi Keith after watching part one I've now followed on with part two. I admire your determination and its not going to beat me attitude so what it wasn't a collectable item finished the experience you gained far out values the table just keep it up you have many followers who have benefitted from your videos

[@rakeyohn222]

Wow. That was tedious and challenging. Also had to be patient to wait for glue and coats and finish to dry. Great job, Kieth. Thanks for sharing what you learned on this adventure.

[@neilf4128]

Thank you for your down to earth video style and woodworking. I sometimes wish your videos were more entertaining. But every time i finish watching, i realize you offer so much more then entertainment. You provide experience, discovery, thought, and education. I apologize for being shallow. Your craft is remarkable. Thank you.

[@mitzibud6908]

I truly appreciate your effort!!

[@garyrodencal1902]

Great re-think on the veneer project. Awesome job. A new maker's mark stamp idea..."Miracle Worker!"

[@briansworkshop01]

Fantastic job well done for trying again👍👍👍👍

[@archiethreelegs]

Have a try with Cascamite to glue, it can be coloured when you mix it so any squeeze out (like if you're using a burr veneer with small holes) is less visible. I'd also echo the comment about using proper veneer tape which can be stretched to pull the joints together.

[@elizabethamizdail7939]

You done good young man. You done good. Quit the doubting. You learn, you don't doubt yourself. Take care!!

[@ronnieahman6958]

You got it this time. The table looks great in my opinion.

[@uktony1525]

Veneered once, never ever again !. As always, entertaining and informative. Looking forward to many more in 2019.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

it's certainly not as enjoyable as I hoped it would be... !

[@Jazzwayze]

Great advice from Thomasso. As I said elsewhere, it's a good idea to flatten the veneer first! Cheers. John

[@the_suffolk_barber19]

Got a table saw for Christmas haven’t had t(e chance to use it yet but it will be so much easier for me to cut wood

[@DigitalOverride318]

The table turned out beautiful

[@garylee4141]

Looks great !

[@chadmccolm6544]

Thomas Johnson Antique Restoration this guy is the best at veneer on youtube

[@1959Berre]

Thomas Johnson is like a magician. I haven't seen him applying veneer on large surfaces yet. For repairing small parts he uses hide glue.

[@Kkuts37]

Wow, when I first started this video, I thought it was going to turn like a hot mess. You really did a great job!! :) Bravo!

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

It looks great to me

[@kevinmurrell9779]

Bloody well done!!!

[@konamanstudio2447]

I like the table top don't know what the guy said Is Awesome you don't know what to try and you give me a couple ideas what's on my projects thank you

[@domramsey]

I think it looks great!

[@smelleroo4226]

Great perseverance! And it looks great. Well done, Keith. I've got clearance to build a workshop! Cannot wait. 72k subs!

[@evonnoneill3396]

Nice job. I love to veneer and fix veneer but that is the meticulous OCD in me. A few pointers that I find helpful: flatten the veneer before application and use a softener made with glycerin. I dont worry about most cracks as they usually come together when you pre-flatten, I prefer hide glue (or cya for teeny jobs). I use a thin razor to slit a bubble along grain line, wet it and iron it. Pins leave holes. In the initial application i use a j-roller followed by weights or in the case of a curved edge like an empire leg or waterfall dresser I use tape and or a band clamp. your follower across the pond.

[@markgoode4109]

The table looks great. With the finish added the grain pattern really popped. Best wishes

[@garethsharp4039]

Good recovery Keith! Looks a whole lot better second time around!

[@spencertrueman6879]

Cracking job on the table Keith love it 👍

[@dangermartin69]

You did a great job.

[@rebornspawn]

Glad you didn't give up on this one Keith! Happy new year friend

[@Yet1moreUtuber]

I have 17 new Video uploads to watch. They can wait yours is always 1st! Table looks great to me!

[@alibuolayyan9038]

Much better than the first time

[@helenaneumann1872]

Like the video!to smoothen the veneer: it is important to moisten

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Nice work Keith! Thank you for sharing the video with us.👍😎JP

[@bobbonham4823]

Great Job! Second time is a charm.

[@derekstocker6661]

Recently found your videos, very well done and you were good to not let this beat you, I don't know if others have suggested, but when you pierce veneer to let any possible trapped air out, but afterward, try injecting some glue and re-clamp down...not forgetting the grease proof of course!

[@user-oy4gf6ck5u]

Truly amazing job !!!!! You are the man of restoration !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also I didnt know that you can apply some kind of oil and varnish. NIce job !!!!!!!!

[@dalelbiker]

Enjoyed both Vlogs Keith and admire your perseverance don’t give up with veneer. My Dad taught me two methods of adhesion. 1 was evostick contact you have to be quick and prepared. The best method he and I used was pearl glue. As for clamping your method was fine I use a board like you but have loads of g clamps including wide ones to get the centre of the work piece

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you

[@LadyGecko]

Would also recommend Thomas Johnson and Ross Taylor. Tom works on a lot of antiques and Ross does a lot of upcycling.

[@michaelguida448]

I thought the first attempt look great, but WOW the second time around was just beautiful.

[@terencecharlesworth1499]

Good improvement Keith nice grain pattern

[@howdoyoudoityourself]

I have seen the first video and now this one so I think when I need it I will do it as you have done now thnx Keith like your videos

[@cobberpete1]

With the amount of time and effort, you can definitely put your makers mark on it. It looks Great. I hope you get a buyer for it.

[@ricksolari9570]

I think you've got it down pretty good.

[@obroadieswimmer]

Love watching your vids mate.

[@Cradley684]

Look's OK Keith, you live and learn Mate !!!

[@gaetanpilon7993]

Big fan of your video...keep on.....

[@mihazajc]

Wow! Improvement indeed! Tnx for al the lessions learned😉

[@the_suffolk_barber19]

Miha Zajc why is your comment saying it was posted one day ago

[@mihazajc]

@@the_suffolk_barber19 i am gladly supporting his chanel on patreon and get the early access to his content😉. I do recomend to support the makers you like😎

[@shanemilehi]

Nice. You stuck with the project, figured it out for the most part. Maybe not a profit but experience counts too.

[@cjhification]

Well it looked good before, especially after the iron was applied but now, after redoing it, it look amazing, the tounge oil really did work wonders on the grain/colouration and was interested in the use of water based varnish after the oil was applied, I had just assumed that you would use several coats of tounge oil once you started using that. Happy new year, best of luck for 2019.

[@normanboyes4983]

Good result Keith - I think as well as expertise you really need to be set up for veneering with either mechanical presses or vacuum gear.

[@Bill.L.Carroll]

That's a damn fair effort, mate👍 Good job👌

[@MarvelouslyMarbolous]

It’s very yonic but I’m here for it! It looks great!

[@NJTLove]

I've seen people use vacuum packing bags and pump to evenly pull the vaneer down similar to how your weights would work but I guess that should help to seal those edges as well as the pressure would work all over?

[@ronnakeil3313]

Nice

[@jerrywilliams4505]

Keith good go at it! My suggestion is use a vacuum bag, heavy vinyl works well. They are available already made up in various sizes. Since u have moved to a larger shop, u should find this method a good alternative, find some videos to review. Also works for gluing up large panels. Check it out. I am a woodworker in the US.

[@benmorrison5985]

I came a Patreon today. Loving the videos Keith you are an inspiration.

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Thank you so much 👍

[@chemcody5119]

Veneering is a very precise process and I have not had any success with it. For only your second attempt, I think you did pretty good Keith. I have applied laminates several times so I thought it would be very similar. WRONG! Keep up the good work.

[@gryffindork9563]

I love that you give it a go and learn as you go! I am looking forward to seeing more of your new projects in the new place 👌🏻 💙 P.S I would love to buy some of the amazing refurnished furniture you have restored, but sadly it would cost a lot of money to ship to Australia 🇦🇺

[@salsolo2403]

great attempt :)

[@suecox2308]

I wonder if the age of the veneer sheets added to the original problems. Wood furniture does dry out and get brittle and it can be treated with a fine oil, so perhaps a thin application of oil to the veneer before applying it might have helped.

[@martinmackett2758]

Hi Keith I have used some of those ziplock plastic bags with the valve that you suck out the air with a vacuum cleaner, only on chessboard size project, so don't know if they would work on a table that size or even if they make them that big. You know the one's that you can put a couple of duvets in, and they end up the size of a brief case.

[@colinaskey9777]

Hi Keith,just watched your veneer video and I enjoyed it very much, you're definitely getting more proficient at your work,and the video gets 5 ☆ from me,

[@hansdegroot8549]

Super great job. I'd say 9 out of 10. And your patience is outstanding. Thanks for sharing. I did not look at your Etsy shop yet. If it hasn't got a name you might call it a Woody Woodpecker table :-)

[@theislandworkshop8453]

You could also use a grain filler before finish

[@garydwatson]

I have zero experience with veneer, so take with extreme grain of salt. I've heard that if you use pva put thin coat on both sides and let dry enough that it doesn't stick when put together. Position veneer and iron on. The iron theoretically will reactivate the glue. I've never tried it, so your mileage may vary. It has the advantage (assuming it works) that you can work from the center out getting each small section perfect before moving on, and somewhat alleviate the need for a press.

[@morrron5]

i veneered a snare drum i made and this also happened to me ! BUT , my bubble/waves have been caused by a small blob of contact glue that, after the veneering, made a reeaaally small bump then after sanding the veneer was VERY thin at this place. I've put lacquer on it and it CHEMICAlLY reacted !!! So maybe it was the finish the problem.

[@VaracolacidVesci]

The contact cement is far better option for this, since you dont have a vaccum press. You also need to flat the veneer previous to adding it and press reaaaal hard, you can also use more than 1 layer of contact cement if the wood is thirsty. To have a better joints you need to joint them with loooots of tape pulling them together before glueing. Also ... water born finishes are ok, but you need to wait at least overnight on the contact cement. Most of them dont get the full strength until several days

[@MRMANTLE427]

Try titebond veneer glue it’s really good

[@paulyanney3151]

Appreciate you sharing your mistakes. We obviously all make them

[@BrassMtn]

Ironing the bubble would have been more effective if you had done it the day you put the adhesive on. Still great results I love the 4 book matches it looks awesome! Great work and the best way to learn. Did better than i may have haha

[@microwavedsoda]

spray veneer with plain vinegar lightly to make it less brittle to work with

[@mxjay2936]

Think I said this on your first video Keith, you need to condition the veneers to start with, veneer softener, trust me it will make things go easier.

[@jimkrahn7079]

MxJay I agree, also cold press veneer glue with roller, veneer tape to close cracks and join joints, and make some clamping cauls. Veneering can be a lot of fun. Cheers

[@andrewaustin6941]

Look at Guy's Woodshop or the Alabama Woodworker for veneering videos!

[@joemug4079]

Maybe an art school in furniture making?

[@fraforgt-350r2]

6:05 you could also just wax the mdf to make it non stick

[@michaelevans1658]

Well done Keith ,I don't know how critical room temperature is with veneers.

[@paul1x1]

Don't know about wood but I restomod muscle cars table looks good but the joins when we weld you fill the welds and sand them till you can't see the welds isnt there a filler you could use at the joists

[@MRMANTLE427]

Use a vacuum bag for the glue up

[@DebsHill1]

Great job. When you wet sand with 400 grit, do you wait for the water to dry first or sand when it’s wet?

[@RagnBoneBrown]

Yep I sand while wet with wet and dry paper and then pipe away the mess

[@hans1163]

👍

[@b24fitfitnessnutrition43]

Another great video as normal Keith. I have a cocktail cabinet very similar to the one in your other video. I need to replace the complete top 😳 How do you work out what type/colour you need? Where would you recommend purchasing the veneer from? Tia

[@theislandworkshop8453]

You should probably use a veneer glue , rather than cheap tool station glue. Great video Keith

[@BlackAdderall]

How about a Dylan compilation?

[@LadyGecko]

Not a wood worker by any stretch of the imagination, but wouldn’t it be better to start this sort of technique on something small...like a jewelry box, then an end table?