Veneered tabletop edge profiles

[Matthew Joe]

Let's say that I want to veneer a tabletop that will have a profiled edge. The goal is to match the veneer closely with the hardwood edge so that the top appears to be constructed of solid wood. Which approach is better:

(1) Attach the hardwood edging to the mdf substrate; press the veneer onto both the substrate and hardwood edge; route the profiled edge.
(2) Press the veneer onto the substrate only; attach the hardwood edging to the veneered panel; route the profiled edge.

I have a slight preference toward (1) since the joint line would be at routed edge and presumably less apparent. However, I'm concerned that routing through the veneer may cause it to chip out.

Any thoughts?

[Mike Henderson]

Number 1 is MUCH easier than #2. The problem with #2 is that you have to make the edging a bit thicker than the combined substrate and veneer because you can't guarantee that you'll be able to glue it without it slipping down just a bit. Then you have to take that edge down to the level of the veneer without going through the veneer. There's several ways to do that but they're all a lot of work and dangerous (meaning you can go through the veneer).

With the first approach, you choose a wood that closely matches the veneer in color. When you put the profile on, you should use a fingernail edge. That is, the router bit should cut a small "ledge" where the profile meets the veneer. If you don't put the fingernail on, you'll have a wandering veneer edge and it'll be obvious that you have veneer and an edging. With the fingernail, it'll be hard to tell. Look at any commercial table top - they're almost always veneered -and you'll see what a fingernail is.

If you do a good job of gluing and use a good glue, you won't have any chipout. I've done that kind of edging many times and never had a problem.

Mike

[Matthew Joe]

Thanks, Mike! Just the answer I was hoping for. I think the fingernail edge adds a nice aesthetic detail, as well.

[jack duren]

Whether I am using veneer or solids for the center I apply the center structure first then apply the outer ring. I glue the ring to the substrate or solid only.

[Bruce Page]

That is a beautiful table, Jack.