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IndustryArena Forum > WoodWorking > WoodWorking Topics > Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2024
    Posts
    14

    Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns

    So I have a potential job cutting out some geometric veneer parts that will be taped and laminated onto mdf after assembly. This is just the thin veneer with no backer. I cut vacuum it down on the table and tape the edges down and once the height is dial in it cuts. I have made a test file and ran it 1/8 downcut directly on the sacrificial vacuum board. The cut is ok but the veneer still fuzzes like its being cut with an upcut bit. Sanding this off would be a real pain. Has anyone done this with success? if so what bit or cutter are you using?
    Laser is out of the question because of the burnt edges.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2005
    Posts
    206

    Re: Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns

    Its been quite a while since I've donee this, but.......Start with a 1/16" down shear clutter, 2 or 3 flute at 24,000 RPM (or more). Make sure your vacuum is enough to pull the veneer flat against the spoil board. If the part moves without the tape holding it, not enough vacuum (a shop vac won't work here). Cut from whole sheets, not oversized parts. the good edge wants to be conventional cut, not climb cut. Start at 50 to 75 feet per minute feed speed (can't recall exactly what speed Ii used to use). Ring porous wood will not work as well as diffuse porous (think hard maple).

    Something to keep in mind; most veneer is dried to a higher moistures content than lumber. The process of vacuum hold down will pull any latent moisture out of the veneer (depending on your shop ambient humidity) . Your parts may shrink a bit in the process of being cut . Hope this helps.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5950

    Re: Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns

    You might try sandwiching it under a sacrificial piece of 1/8" doorskin to keep the fraying down.
    Andrew Werby
    Website

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2024
    Posts
    14
    [I may try the sacrificial plywood on top. It just adds to the cost per part. But with the 10hp. Vacuum it the air will pull right through the veneer. Good point about it drying out. I usually size all my veneer before cutting parts but we may end up using a paper backed 4x8 sheet to get the parts.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    5950

    Re: Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns

    I've been cutting thin veneer with a laser recently, and while the edges are a tiny bit darker than the rest, it's barely noticeable. Have you actually looked at laser-cut veneers, or just assuming they'd be too burnt? It really does work a lot better - and quicker - than trying to cut it with a rotary tool. Inside corners are sharper too.
    Andrew Werby
    Website

  6. #6

    Re: Cutting thin Veneer into Patterns

    I'm Wondering if you found a solution to this with CNC? I have cut similar veneer (birch 1/16" 2 ply ) with a laser with great success. A sheet of low-tack masking tape on top of the material is the key. You can get it in 24" rolls. I used to clamp a dowel at the edge of the workbench (horizontally) and put the roll of mask on it like a giant toilet paper roll. then I just pulled the mask off the roll and put it right on the material while it was laid flat on the bench. This completely eliminates any burnt edges. I don't have access to a laser right now or I'd use one for my project, which is similar: cutting geometric shapes out of veneer. I'm using a vacuum table like this https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...jXq42c5oC7UlAI and it works flawlessly. Now I just need to fine tune my feed & speed to avoid those furry edges!

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