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Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Applying figured veneers Q.
In the case of this clock, I am planning to veneer the faces (and balance the back) of the stile and rail on the door (max. 2" wide). Probably maple burl over cherry or crotch mahogany on cherry. Would it help to use matching species? Is crossbanding beneficial? How wide can the solid substrate be before I can expect problems? (I know, I can always expect problems...) This is a classic application of veneer, but I'm not sure what the potential pitfalls are and how to avoid them, though I'm sure there are plenty. Also I'd appreciate any suggestions for further reading on the subject. Forum Responses
It is not recommended to lay veneer over solid wood substrates because of the difference in movement properties. If you choose to lay the veneer over solid wood then your choice of adhesive will be important, but that will also be determined by your ability and tools. The main problem is that thick wood has more movement that thin sliced wood. Meaning that if the substrate moves more than the veneer can stand, a split, crack or blister will occure. Have you built the clock yet? Why not use MDF as a substrate where the veneering is going to be and solid wood on the parts that don't get the fancy grain veneer? I think this would make your job better over all. Moisture in solid hardwood lumber is common to be found from 9% to 12%. Veneer is found to be 6 to 9% moisture. This difference can be a factor in veneering. Locke Wilde, forum technical advisor
From the original questioner: The science of what you are saying makes sense, and my intuition, knowing how wrong things can go, is to be safe. Though, assuming that the use of figured veneers in 19th Century and prior was laid up on solid substrate, I'm wondering how it was done to last as long as it has. The panels on this clock can easily be laid on MDF (I was planning on crossbanded two ply over bending plywood for a radiused panel), but the stile and rail door needs to be solid for M&T joints and exposed edges. I can change the design if you think it isn't wise to veneer solids at all, but I would sure like to go according to plan if I can be confident of its longevity. (I have been using Unibond 800 for gluing with a vacuum press.)
Are you going to make your two ply or are you going to buy it? If you make it or buy it, make sure that if the face is crotch mahogany the back should be hond. mahogany (not a tropical hardwood, it is too soft). Crotch Mahogany is very strong and can pull a tropical hardwood. One other hint: after forming your bending plywood to the shape you need, coat the bending board with a PVA adhesive and let dry hard before you apply your two ply veneer. Locke Wilde, forum technical advisor Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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