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Storing (and Flattening) Veneer
Question
Forum Responses
From contributor B: It is not a good idea to store rolled up or in a poorly controlled environment. I unroll mine as soon as I get it, number the sheets, and store in an overhead bin with cauls on top. It is kind of a pain to use an overhead bin when you have long sheets, but it saves space. Another option to contributor I's suggestion for flattening is an old solution consisting of alcohol, PVA, water and glycerin. You can find the mix ratios here I am sure. Both options are pretty tedious, as there is a drying process after you saturate it. Flattening is typically only needed when using crotch veneers or burls. The GF-20 will maintain the stock plasticity for about a day, then it will start to revert back. The other mixture will last much longer since it glue sizes the stock. I might be tempted to chalk this one up to a learning experience if we are not talking about a lot of stock. From the original questioner: Thanks for the info. I'll do better next time for sure. The veneer didn't cost me anything, so money wise I am not out. I hate to toss anything, and I won't toss the veneer - you should see my scrap pile. Also the pieces I am going to use are small, 17 inches in length, so I should be able to work my way through it. From contributor O: The tried and true formula I use for a flattening solution is: 2 parts white or yellow glue 3 parts water 1 part glycerin 1 part denatured alcohol I use a roller to apply on large pieces or a trigger bottle for smaller sheets. I used a 2 gallon garden sprayer to apply the solution on some 40 large walnut crotches. They were given to me because they were so badly warped. So a roller was less than acceptable. I adjust the spray to fine, spray both sides, lay flat on plastic window screen, start stacking, with window screen separating each sheet. Add the necessary weight. As the sheets flattened I added more weight. It's now flat but not dry. Separate the sheets and restack in reverse with newspaper, 3-5 sheets between each sheet along with the screen. Check it and change the paper as necessary. I change it at least once at the end of the first day. When I do it outside in warm weather, it reduces the drying time to half. I change the paper 3-4 times. The paper never touches the veneer; always separate it with the plastic window screen. I flattened the walnut in fall 1999, and the remaining stock is still flat.
From contributor E: Ditto for contributor O's method. It's spot on. I have not used yellow glue, however. My mixture is the same, with powdered veneer bond resin glue. Same principles. I also use a garden sprayer. Makes a fine mist and keeps trigger fatigue at a minimum. Would you like to add information to this article? Interested in writing or submitting an article? Have a question about this article? Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below? 
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