Below is step-by-step process of how I make a vanity top using Maple veneer.
The top itself is about 15” wide and will need 3 pieces of 5” wide veneer strips be joined together. I bought some commercial veneer that is 1/16” thick and just a bit more than 5” wide. After ripping it to rough length, I needed to make the edges of each piece of veneer perfectly straight so they could be glued together. The process is much like working with thick wood with a few small differences.
STEP 1
Here are two of the pieces that will be joined together. Each piece has been marked to assure I keep everything in order.
STEP 2
I took the two pieces that will be joined together, and folded them on top of each other, almost as if they were a book. I am pointing at the edge that will be joined.
STEP 3
Keeping the edges aligned, both pieces are placed on this ledger board.
STEP 4
Another board is placed on top to make a “sandwich” with the both pieces of veneer in between the two outer boards. The entire piece is then clamped together.
STEP 5
I use a hand plane to take several light passes along the edge. It’s important to have a well-tuned hand plane with a razor sharp edge to get the best result. If everything is aligned correctly, this will result in two perfectly matched edges.
STEP 6
Everything worked out just as planned. There are no gaps and everything is ready for gluing up.
