Veneering with an Iron

A brief overview of veneering a large walnut countertop with an iron and heat sensitive glue, no other special tools required. The base material was two layers of MDF providing an extremely flat surface to veneer on. This particular one is over 12 feet long and features a bookmatched veneer layout. The top was finished with Osmo Poly X oil which offers a durable protective finish without the look of plastic. The glue is called Heatlock and can be found online.

[@pmelchman]

My mentor was a huge resaw / veneer woodworker. Hence I am also. It’s a great way to use our resources.

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

That's awesome, defintely true

[@tomleed2818]

Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Thanks for watching!

[@stuart2151]

Great job

[@churrascox_Mad]

Fantastic result

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Thank you!

[@ATRestoration]

If the veneer cracks, the iron is bit too hot. I also make the veneer wet before finishing, so that the loose areas bubble up and I can iron them down correctly.

[@michaelrobinson9643]

Hello, and thanks for that advice. When do you wet it exactly and to what degree? I have been contemplating using a damp cotton pillowcase when ironing to introduce some steam but I think that's a different approach than what you are doing which I think from your words is a step to confirm it's all glued properly (but is it after or during... ).

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Interesting, thanks for the info

[@WadeFabrications]

Hey James beautiful work! Wondering if you veneered the bottom side as well?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Thanks! Yes, in veneering that's a critical step

[@joeyprather4739]

Awesome work. If this is going into a restaurant or cafe, how do the edges hold up? Do you use any tricks to keep edges from peeling etc?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Minimal use surface

[@EvanarProductions]

What did you use to finish/seal the piece? Also, what does the glue look like in its container?
Thank you for the tips.
- A fellow eager carpenter

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

On this I used osmo poly x oil, the glue is called heatlock and is a pink glue

[@omerekren5301]

please tell me what s name glue ?

[@conscience-commenter]

It would have been nice to see actual processes instead of cutting scenes together after it was done . People learn from seeing it done and dealing with mistakes as they arise .

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Interesting...one of my first videos

[@swiftxrapid919]

HOW DID YOU JOIN THE PLYWOOD/MDF TO BE 11 FEET LONG? wHAT JOINT DID YOU USE?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

I just used double thickness layers and offset the seam

[@pilotdog68]

How much does a veneer this size cost?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Totally varies depending on a lot of factors

[@michaelrobinson9643]

Hi,
I use titebond and assume the dynamics of it are the same as heatlock with regard to film thickness and such. What has been your experience ironing veneer and the precision or evenness of the glue application?
I'm curious to know if I need to have a super thin and super consistent glue coating or if some differences from my roller will cause ripples or issues in the veneer.
Do you need to roll the veneer after ironing?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

This was paper backed veneer which helps with telegraphing so it's pretty smooth

[@Maria-sz1fc]

What is the glue used?

[@jameswesleyfurniture]

Heatlock veneer glue

[@mduzzalmiah7598]

hell my friont thes is gob my i'xperience 13 heris ples gob my