Veneer---storing veneer�

Re: Veneer---storing veneer�

HC Sakman

>Hi Phil,

Veneers should never be stored up high in a heated space (even unheated space, especially if the sun can heat that place in summer). In a dry place, veneers turn into brittle patato chips. I keep them in a wooden shed, where there's constant moisture and summer time I put 2 buckets of water in there to keep it humid. Even crotches and burls feel like dough. I have no idea about EMC figures, but I tell you this:

1-Keep it in a humid place, but not too humid that mold will grow on veneers. Actually, it should have some ventilation, yet around 40 to 50% humidity.

2-Keep them flat, preferably in between unprinted cardboard sheets.

3-Sorted by flitches.

4-Never keep them in a bone dry, warm place.

That's it.

Chico...

Re: Veneer---storing veneer�

Brian in Sandusky, OH

>I think Chico has the right idea.

When storing veneer, it's kind of the opposite of lumber. You want the veneer to be a little humid, but not to where it will mold.

If it gets too hot and dry, veneers chip. If they are rather moist, it's no big deal as they acclimate within a day or so to a dryer environment, and then you are set to go with your project...you don't have to wait months like you would lumber.

bg

Re: Veneer---storing veneer�

Barry Irby

>Phil, I have no experience storing veneer and will be interested in the answers. My first thought was to put the whole stack you mentioned into a vacuum bag and seal it up forever, but aparently from what the others say, that is the wrong approach. Vacuum would keep insects and mold out.

I would contact the Forest Products Laboratory and see what their experts say. I would also contact the forestry departments at major universities. VA Tech, NC State, and schools in Tenn. come to mind because they support major portions of what is left of the US furniture industry. I'm sure there are others also.

Might also contact the Martin Guitar works, famous for their huge band saw that George Nakashima used and perhaps piano makers (Steinway?).

There are ledgandary stories about veneer logs. One story has it that a log of rosewood(?) was sliced into veneer many years ago and has passed from investor to investor. There are hundreds or thousands of flitches. They have been kept in order so the "log" has been reassembled. Someone took it apart and photographed each flitch to make it more attractive for the next investor or end user.

Another thought would be to look around for a museum (of natural history?) or some sort of Industrial Arts Center that would take your collection and preserve it and make it available to the public.

PS, A silly thought.......

Barry Irby

>Just to get this out of the way, because I see it coming, you could send it all to me, or someone here at WC. We could use it promptly to make important things like cat coffins or dog food storage boxes.

Re: Veneer---storing veneer�

Earl Kelly

>Phil,

If it was me, I would contact Certainly Wood, Herzog Veneers and Jim Martin at Marwood. They deal with veneers everyday and should have some good advice.

Earl