The Craft of Veneering - by Craig Thibodeau (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Master the timeless art of wood veneering with this comprehensive, hands-on guide--from selecting the perfect veneer to executing flawless marquetry.

Veneering is the essential skill that allows woodworkers and furniture makers to create surfaces of breathtaking beauty, achieve complex grain matching, and utilize rare, expensive woods without compromising structural integrity. This book is the ultimate resource, from leading expert Craig Thibodeau, guiding you from your first successful edge banding to tackling intricate design challenges.

The Craft of Veneering explains everything about using veneer--from its production and benefits to the techniques that will help you create impressive pieces. Lavishly illustrated and filled with practical tips, this book is your go-to resource for incorporating veneer into furniture construction and other woodworking projects.

Whether you work with traditional hand tools or modern vacuum press systems, this definitive guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on every aspect of the craft:

• Fundamentals First: Learn the secrets to selecting, preparing, and cutting veneer--including dealing with burls, crotches, and figured grain.
• Essential Techniques: Master critical processes like book matching, slip matching, and creating decorative patterns like checkerboards and sunbursts.
• Tool Mastery: Detailed coverage of necessary equipment, from veneer saws and jointing planes to modern electronic tools and vacuum bag systems.
• Advanced Applications: Complete guides to executing intricate marquetry and parquetry, including shading techniques and delicate inlay work.
• Flawless Finish: Expert advice on proper gluing, clamping, and achieving durable, invisible joints and flawless finishes that will last a lifetime.

Elevate your woodworking projects from ordinary to heirloom quality. This is the only veneering manual you will ever need.

About the Author

Craig Thibodeau is an internationally acclaimed fine furniture maker and master craftsman renowned for his expertise in creating high-end, highly customized contemporary cabinets and casework. He is particularly celebrated for his specialty: concealed storage furniture featuring complex, precision-engineered secret locking mechanisms and automated opening systems. Thibodeau's work seamlessly blends traditional woodworking techniques with modern engineering and artistic vision. He is known for his masterful use of veneer, marquetry, and parquetry, employing rare and figured woods to create surfaces of breathtaking complexity and beauty.

Thibodeau is a multiple Pinnacle Award winner and has been featured in leading industry publications such as Fine Woodworking and Woodwork Magazine. His pieces are collected by discerning clients around the globe. He focuses on creating sophisticated pieces that incorporate hidden gun storage, discreet jewelry safes, and automated lift systems, making him a leading authority in functional yet visually stunning covert furniture design. Through his acclaimed books and instructional resources, including Concealed Cabinetry and The Craft of Veneering, Thibodeau shares the precise technical knowledge required for advanced craftsmanship, from complex veneering techniques to the design of secure, hidden mechanisms.

Craig Thibodeau continues to lead the field in the merger of luxury design, mechanical engineering, and traditional woodworking at his studio in San Diego, California.