George M. Perzel
03-31-2011, 8:42 AM
Hi Gang;
A lot of folks know I sell thin wood and often contact me looking for wide pieces for photos and other apps. here is a very economical and simple solution to the problem:
1. First of all, I prefer to laser photos on alder, butternut, or straight grain mahogany. I'm sure others have their own favorite woods but this still applies whatever.
2. Secondly, most folks wanting photos done prefer to have something which can be framed, not a plaque or slab of wood. Besides, plaques are expensive and add significantly to the total cost.
3. Thirdly, I prefer to engrave on smooth, unfinished wood-faster and better looking than an image on a finished surface.
OK-enough preamble-here's what you do
1. Go on Ebay and shop around for the type of wood you want-in a veneer. Stuff is cheap and plentiful in many varieties. I recently purchased 52 square feet of alder for $11 plus $8 shipping-came in 3 days. Try to select wide veneer to avoid seaming. Many varieties are available in wide sheets with paper backing. DO NOT GET ADHESIVE BACKED VENEER-NOT WORTH THE PROBLEMS.
2. Go to your local HD/Lowes and purchase a can of 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive-it's a spray can. Do not get the less expensive 3M photo spray adhesive.
3. Get some 1/8" or 1/4" good quality plywood- I use baltic birch but even cheap luan works for photo size apps.
4. Cut ply to size you want and cut veneer a bit over size. If veneer is wide/long enough you can do large sheet and cut later. Spray rough side of veneer and one side of ply with adhesive-cover all but don't overdo. Wait 30 seconds and the lay veneer on ply and roll surface and weight down. Dries pretty quick but wait about two hours for glue to really set.
5. Trim excess veneer with Xacto knife and lightly sand veneer surface if desired.
Quick, easy, inexpensive and requires no woodworking skills or equipment.
Have Fun!
Best Regards;
George
Laserarts
A lot of folks know I sell thin wood and often contact me looking for wide pieces for photos and other apps. here is a very economical and simple solution to the problem:
1. First of all, I prefer to laser photos on alder, butternut, or straight grain mahogany. I'm sure others have their own favorite woods but this still applies whatever.
2. Secondly, most folks wanting photos done prefer to have something which can be framed, not a plaque or slab of wood. Besides, plaques are expensive and add significantly to the total cost.
3. Thirdly, I prefer to engrave on smooth, unfinished wood-faster and better looking than an image on a finished surface.
OK-enough preamble-here's what you do
1. Go on Ebay and shop around for the type of wood you want-in a veneer. Stuff is cheap and plentiful in many varieties. I recently purchased 52 square feet of alder for $11 plus $8 shipping-came in 3 days. Try to select wide veneer to avoid seaming. Many varieties are available in wide sheets with paper backing. DO NOT GET ADHESIVE BACKED VENEER-NOT WORTH THE PROBLEMS.
2. Go to your local HD/Lowes and purchase a can of 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Adhesive-it's a spray can. Do not get the less expensive 3M photo spray adhesive.
3. Get some 1/8" or 1/4" good quality plywood- I use baltic birch but even cheap luan works for photo size apps.
4. Cut ply to size you want and cut veneer a bit over size. If veneer is wide/long enough you can do large sheet and cut later. Spray rough side of veneer and one side of ply with adhesive-cover all but don't overdo. Wait 30 seconds and the lay veneer on ply and roll surface and weight down. Dries pretty quick but wait about two hours for glue to really set.
5. Trim excess veneer with Xacto knife and lightly sand veneer surface if desired.
Quick, easy, inexpensive and requires no woodworking skills or equipment.
Have Fun!
Best Regards;
George
Laserarts