Combo Amp Stand Continues

  Continuing the Amp Stand. I'm shaping the end grain "terminals" a bit. I'm giving them a subtle three dimensional rounding. It will soften the overall appearance of the otherwise straight lined piece.

I've got the substrate set up, time to get those veneers in line.

I cut or splice the veneer in strategic spots and angles to best match color and grain when they are joined. I use my little jointer plane to shoot the edges straight and smooth to make the seam virtually disappear.

To join them I employ the bit of elasticity of painter's tape. Secure the tape to one "half" of the veneer and stretch it as you stick the tape to the other "half." Complete one side, paint a bit of glue on the edge of the 1/16th thick veneer (like a butt/edge joint), flip over and tape the other side. This way you have relative equal force pulling in on the veneer to keep the join planer.

Veneer work, and waiting, is going on while I'm finishing the first round of glue-up components. This time I'm using "orange" or unbleached shellac. A number of thin coats and a coat of fine wax on top.
Yes, I've grown found of certain bottles to hold my finishes, what do you use?

The veneer is ready to be applied but I just wanted to interject a brief bit about the substrate.
The main substrate I'm using is Baltic Birch plywood. I've applied some Poplar pieces to the perimeter. It's an old or perhaps "impractical" step to add these edges we call "bake-ins." What it does for me is to give me a solid wood edge to work with when planing and joining the edges. It works more easily, creates a stronger joint, and simply allows for higher quality results.

Alright, to the application of the veneer. Like in almost every case, I use white glue. To apply the glue to a relatively large surface I use a 4" brayer. That's an ink rolling/printmaking tool you can pick up at most "craft" stores.
You don't need a ton of glue, its not gravy. But a little extra is usually preferable to being too thin.

Glue both sides and don't forget the veneer! I'm using this little set-up I've kept around to veneer relatively small pieces. Solid wood cauls, ply-wood "plates"/cauls, flaw-board, wax paper, and clamps. Low tech and effective, the way I like it!

Pre-finishing continues, some uncomfortable angled glues-up will follow next time.