Ultra Thin Veneers

[RobSaffell]

Hi All

Has anyone tried using ultra thin veneer (.01" to .016")? I have an idea for a project but would require very thin wood I could wrap around a cylinder. I bought some test sheets that should get here in a few days, but just though I would see if anyone has any feedback or starting points especially for engrave settings?

[beerfaced]

If you search “engraving veneers” you may find info you seek.

[PrintToLaser]

Hi! welcome to the community.
There is so much variance in different materials that the best way to determine the settings needed is testing. It’s a treasure hunt!
you can just upload a vector line and test on the edge of the material to dial in what is needed to cut through. Get an idea from your search and start there. Enjoy the adventure!

[evansd2]

Generally veneers run at about 0.025 (1/42"). They are thin enough to wrap on things.

Exhibit A:

Spiral box

Greetings, I am Harmattan. [IMG_5518] I’d been kicking this idea around for a while and decided to finally go for it. It’s not a terribly complicated idea, but getting things to line up and stay adhered to the curved surface was tricky. Enjoy. [IMG_5519] (Maple, various raw veneers, brass rods, neodymium magnets) [IMG_5517] (Maple, various raw veneers)

[rbtdanforth]

@RobSaffell

but would require very thin wood I could wrap around a cylinder.

Lots of woods can be wrapped around a cylinder. I found that 1/8 basswood worked very well, and even tried .25 oak plywood. The trick is to bend it very wet and slow and then let it dry.

With this…

And they said round would be a problem!

A while back I posted that I thought you could do a living hinge by just cutting on one side… Well I was thinking that Inkscape would be needed to layout the cuts but then I see that engrave can do both 10 Lpi and 35 Lpi and my estimate was that 35 Lpi would be needed in any case so I just do a deep engrave at 35Lpi and then cut out the design. (2 passes at 800zips, full power) Already it is very flexible but by soaking it in alcohol hand cleaner all the burn fumes are quickly dissolved but it…

And this for thicker stuff…

Bending hardwood with kerf cuts (down with living hinges!)

I ran another experiment box. most wood would just bend if properly treated but Oak Plywood I think would provide the toughest challenge and two 180 degree bends about as tough a job as I could think of. I first tried with cutting a hole for a box lid, and also was not deep enough with the engrave, the second with no lid and almost deep enough worked out very well. It still needs to dry a bit to hold its place but I was able to get a few fair photos. oh yes instead of grooves I made a living h…

[djfb]

That looks really nice I appreciate the different types of wood you used and colors. How hard was it once you went for it? How did you figure the angles and widths of the veneers?

[djfb]

@rbtdanforth

The trick is to bend it very wet and slow and then let it dry.

Or steam it, rockler has a steaming kit, it will bend easily, they did 3/4” oak in store demo.

[rbtdanforth]

@djfb

steam it, rockler has a steaming kit,

I did not have steam available, but made a lot f pieces using the methods noted.

360 Degree Bend Lamp!

After much experimentation and heartache I finally accomplished a round lamp with the ends 1\4 inch apart and thus a perfect place to add a handle that had to be sanded a bit to be a perfect fit. [IMG_20180402_130003] [IMG_20180402_130028] [IMG_20180402_130015]

[djfb]

Looks great! It’s just that using water on wood is anathema to me. But you’re right, it does work. And yes I know steam is just water.

[rbtdanforth]

@djfb

It’s just that using water on wood is anathema

It is actually mostly alcohol bending that has the advantage that it evaporates very quickly.

[djfb]

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