The ironing process got a little frantic when the trimmed ends wouldn't line-up right, but even with the flaws I'm satisfied with the result.  
Yes, the CNC is a nice tool to have in the arsenal.
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I have the melting pot and the hide granules, and I've tried it a couple time, but haven't been successful using it yet.  I do need to spend some more time practicing with it.

One of the nice things about using hide glue is that even when things get frantic do overs are easy.  You just moisten and use an iron to heat the glue and press it down again.  For something round like that, elastic rep bands, the kind use for physical therapy, or large elastic bands for moving furniture can be used as a clamp.  A side benefit of using hide glue is that the glue softens the veneer making it easier to bend around a shape like that.  It tends to be a messy process but the glue cleans off easily with water.  And making a tight joint between two piece or ends is easier too because you just  use a knife (for thin veneer) or veneer saw to trim and joint the edges after the veneer is in place.   Definitely a nice skill to have.  

--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.