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140° F is the perfect temperature for HHG. You can go a little hotter for colder weather. Just don't go above 160° or you'll ruin the glue. You can extend the gel time by heating the substrate before applying the glue. First time I did it, I used a radiant heater that was mounted overhead in my shop. That warmed it up pretty nicely. I've also used a blow dryer for smaller pieces.
I've only done hammer veneering a few times but applying the hot glue to both sides of the veneer usually softens the veneer enough that when you hammer it down, the wrinkles usually go away -- at least in my limited experience. I have never had to deal with super wrinkled veneer or burls though. I apply the glue to the substrate first and then apply it to both sides of the veneer. Basically, I apply the glue to the substrate and then lay the veneer upside down on the area I just slathered while I apply the glue to the underside of the veneer. Then I flip it over, apply glue to the top and immediately hammer it down.
I've only done hammer veneering a few times but applying the hot glue to both sides of the veneer usually softens the veneer enough that when you hammer it down, the wrinkles usually go away -- at least in my limited experience. I have never had to deal with super wrinkled veneer or burls though. I apply the glue to the substrate first and then apply it to both sides of the veneer. Basically, I apply the glue to the substrate and then lay the veneer upside down on the area I just slathered while I apply the glue to the underside of the veneer. Then I flip it over, apply glue to the top and immediately hammer it down.
--Nathan, TX. Hire the lazy man. He may not do as much work but that's because he will find a better way.
