Bending veneer

[Al Killian]

I am getting ready to fix some furniture that needs vernner bent on a convex edge and was wondering what is the best way to make it bend with out cracking? The the peice wil be around 2' long by about 1" wide with a slight round over on the top and bottom(bullnose). Could I just mist it with water to get it to bend or would heat work better?

[David DeCristoforo]

Misting with water or heating the veneer can both have a softening effect. However, when the veneer dries or cools, it may well shrink, causing gaps or cracks. Rather than reiterate the whole body of knowledge on this subject, may I refer you to this web page:

http://www.joewoodworker.com/veneering/flattening.htm

where there is a good bit on softening veneer. In spite of the critique of the homemade veneer softening solution, I have used this many times with good results.