This was one of the least enjoyable projects I've ever done, I made so many mistakes. I rarely ever use veneer. I worked on this project for a couple of hours every day for 2 or 3 weeks. Some days I spent 2 hours and got nothing done. Here is a list of all the things that went south on me. I have nerve damage so I can't feel with my fingers like I used to, it's almost like having thin gloves on.
• I had to use tweezers for everything because the design I made had many pieces and they were very small.
• I didn’t seal the veneer before I used the grout and it got into the pores of the wood. At first I was mad, but I actually liked the way it made the veneer look and did the other 3 panels to match.
• I wish I had made the trenches just a little narrower, they look just a bit too wide to me.
• I noticed the filler I used has small cracks after I used 2 coats and when I used the OSMO it chipped out at the edge of each panel.
• Some of the veneer was very easy to snap along the grain because of the wood species I chose.
• I left the white oak in the fuming container too long and it got very dark, more than I wanted.
• I used QSWO to build this project and that was a big mistake. All the flecks now look like glue spots because there are so few of them. If it was a highly figured piece I think it would have been ok.
• I also made the box too short so I had to add feet so the tissue box could fit.
Maybe I made this harder than it should be. But this is how I went about it.
After cutting all the pieces I made a holder from scrap for some small cups to hold all the sections.
Then made a sample panel.
I labeled the sections with the laser and labeled the cups to match.
Then glued it all up and put it in the laser to burn the trenches.
Then I added the grout on just one panel and I forgot to seal the veneer first.
The result was a surprise, I liked the way it looked, so I did the same to the other panels.
I sprayed the panels with lacquer and glued it all up. Used OSMO for the finish on the oak and I followed up with paste wax.
I’m not proud of this at all, but I’m proud of myself for sticking it out. I wanted to throw it in the trash several times, but went upstairs and had a few wobbly pops and went back at it the next day. I must say I’m so glad my wife likes it because that makes it worth the trouble. It might be attractive to some, but the trouble to make it wasn’t something I'll probably ever do again.
I posted this to show how I went about it and all the things I had trouble with, in case anyone is interested in trying this themselves.
Hey I think it looks great. I like that you flowed with the river here and there and liked the unexpected results. I always say that the tenth time you build something, the better it looks from the first. Way to challenge your comfort zone. 👍
Personally, I think it looks great... don't tell us the issues and most, if not all, would never have guessed... however, on behalf of any bunny that want's to take on a similar project, thanks for the heads up on the issues he/she (thanks Donald) may encounter.
Also great to see the laser in a project for other than just a logo.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
I really like the more "compressed" panel design with the higher part counts. In for a penny, in for a pound eh? 🤠
The colors are also excellent, subtle but in place with a purpose.
What filler did you use? I didn't have any problems with chipping, but I also had the same issue with color in the pores. Nothing like sanding it until the pores disappear or the veneer is sanded away.
Crazy amount of time spent with tweezers (x4) but the style is timeless IMO.
Even with a laser to speed the process, the time spent really adds up, but with a good setup you can work inside while relaxing in a comfy chair.
I finally decided to cover panels with tape before etching and filling the framing pattern. At least it kept the gook out of the pores, but then you loose that "antiquing". Still had to sand so removing the tape wouldn't pull out the fill, but made it fun to see the panel get exposed. Just like opening a gift.
You all are too kind, thanks for the nice comments. I did learn a few things that can help me in the future. Thanks Bruce, I never thought about taping the panel before etching. I learn so much on this forum I thought I might help prevent others from making the same mistakes.
Love the Craftsman design. Looks like something Gustav Stickley would have made himself, just because. It is very nice. You should be proud. I would pay good money for a piece like that
SplinterGroup ..... but I also had the same issue with color in the pores. Nothing like sanding it until the pores disappear or the veneer is sanded away. ..... SplinterGroup ..... I finally decided to cover panels with tape before etching and filling the framing pattern. At least it kept the gook out of the pores, but then you loose that "antiquing". Still had to sand so removing the tape wouldn't pull out the fill, but made it fun to see the panel get exposed. Just like opening a gift.....
Gents, I've formulated a response to this, however, it may get better exposure for people seeking laser details more specifically so I've posted it in the "Laser thread".
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
