How to Trim Wood Veneer

A veneer-trimming technique can be learned with a little practice.

Wood veneer is a thin sheet of hardwood used to apply to furniture and cabinet faces to give the appearance and texture of solid wood. Wood veneers are available in two basic styles. Heat melt veneer has a layer of heat-activated glue on its back side and is installed by the application of heat and pressure. Glue-down veneer can be installed with the use of contact cement and pressure or wood glue and clamps. Wood veneer can be trimmed with the use of power tools or nonpower trimmers and cutting tools.

Things You'll Need

• Veneer trimmer
• Sandpaper
• Router with flush cut bit
• Wood chisel
• Lacquer thinner

Instructions

Using a Veneer Trimmer

1. Trim wood veneer edgebanding with the use of a veneer trimmer. Veneer trimmers cut with blades on either side of a central channel. Set the channel of the tool over the edge of the material.

2. Adjust the depth of the blades on the trimmer according to the manufacturer's instructions for best results. Replace damaged blades immediately to avoid damage to your materials.

3. Apply pressure from both sides of the tool; most are spring-loaded. Pressing in on the tool brings the blades into contact with the veneer edge. Drag the trimmer along the edge of the material, maintaining steady pressure on the tool.

4. Sand the edges of the veneer to smooth the seam between the edgebanding tape and the face of the material.

Using a Trim Router

1. Trim wood veneer around the edge of larger faces with a router and flush cut bearing bit. Wax the bearing to prevent friction burns. Adjust the depth of the bearing so that the blade cuts through the veneer completely with the bearing running along the edge of the material.

2. Release the clamp around the router base. Routers vary. Typically, you release the clamp by turning the wing nut in a counterclockwise direction. The base of the router will adjust by twisting. Twist clockwise to lower the depth of the blade. Twist counterclockwise to raise the depth of the blade. Tighten the wing nut when your blade is set to the desired depth.

3. Set the router on the material and start the motor. Run the router around the face of the material in a clockwise direction. Keep the bearing pressed against the edge of the material for a clean cut. Do not allow the router to kick back or run it too fast to prevent tearing.

4. Sand the edges down as for the edgebanding. Remove excess glue or contact cement with a rag dampened in lacquer thinner.

Trimming With a Chisel

1. Trim the edges using a chisel in the absence of a trimmer or router. Choose a sharp chisel a blade 1/2 wide or wider best results.

2. Press through the veneer against the edge of the material. Start at one end and work with the chisel moving away from your body. Typically, right to left is easier for a right handed operator and vice verse.

3. Work slowly, keeping the chisel flat against the face of the material to prevent gouging. Apply slight downward pressure to trim the edge as close to the face as possible.

References

• Joe Woodworker: Edge Banding Guide
• "Encyclopedia of Wood Working Techniques"; Jeremy Broun; Running Press;1993
• Reader's Digest: Router Basics

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish