A manual veneer press is one of the most important tools in a veneer shop. I built my veneer press over 25 years ago, and, although it was costly, it has become the backbone of the workshop, and has paid for itself a thousand times over the years. It is 54″ wide inside the pipes and about 8″ tall inside the clamps.
I usually keep several sheets of plywood as a bed, and heat large aluminum plates to press the veneer.
There are 10 units, each with 5 veneer screw clamps, and all of the units can be moved closer or farther apart to fit the work. I can press a full 4 X 8′ marquetry sheet at once. For example, I used this press to make a marquetry table top which was 4 x 14′ long.
One the most common and interesting work in the shop is restoring early marquetry surfaces, which can either be repaired “in situ” or on the bench.
I recommend the use of sawn veneers when restoring pre-industrial furniture for their thickness. Sliced veneer, which appeared in the second half of the 19th century, is too thin.
I get my sawn veneer from Patrick George in Paris, who operates a fourth generation veneer shop that has used the same horizontal saws since the start of the 19th century.
Boulle Marquetry Restoration
Use of different clamping system, cauls, sand bags and vacuum bag.
Use of an exo skelton to apply localized pressure on curvy furniture.
Replacing missing elements on a Indian chest.
Mother of pearl, bone, horn and tortoise shell.
