Interesting veneering video on making a star pattern

[TomTrees]

Thought this video would be worth posting, as I learned a few tips from it.


Most notable what I've not seen anyone suggest, orientation of the grain lines for more consistency whilst bookmatching.


Flipping every second veneer, (note the circled numbers) is probably a well known thing to do aswell, but is news to me also.

Well worth a watch, Tom McLaughlin's channel is a curious mixmash of catering for the rank beginners along with experienced.
No hard selling, but the simple things are drawn out quite a bit, so one might need to keep a finger over the 5 second fast forward.
(that's the L character on my laptop)

Be interesting to know if there's any who do the same with straightening up the quartersawn veneers.

All the best
Tom

 

[Malc2098]

I bookmatch the back and sides of my instruments.

But where there's flaming, it's not exactly bookmatched.

 

[TomTrees]

I bookmatch the back and sides of my instruments.View attachment 27262

But where there's flaming, it's not exactly bookmatched.

No doubt you're very fimiliar with the first bit of the video Malcolm, i.e the use of a template (often acrylic)
to see the grain is parallel with the joint for your tops (soundboards, for those unfamiliar with the terms)
which I needn't screenshot...
Regarding luthiere and/or guitar building, the video is possibly more on topic regarding those who like to make arty rosettes, though for the super purists, I suppose the head plate is where this mainly could be utilized...
Though one could make the argument it could be a valuable technique for those whom wish to make a four or more piece top or back, from stock that's too narrow to attain the wings from, of course.

The numbering/flipping of the veneers to a non sequential sequence for better consistency of the 10 leaves is not something
I've seen any guitar builder, nor other craftsperson do.

Tom

 

[Malc2098]

I bookmatch the headstocks, too, but they can never come out a mirror image. But I think that makes them more interesting. I'm lucky really to only have to work in pairs, instead of 8s or 10s.

I try to keep my rosettes simple, their purfling is difficult enough.

 

[TomTrees]

"I bookmatch the headstocks, too, but they can never come out a mirror image. But I think that makes them more interesting. I'm lucky really to only have to work in pairs, instead of 8s or 10s"

Indeed, so quite interesting to see the other technique mentioned, what's used to improve lining up of the sapwood.
I've not seen anyone align/group the end grain by eye, (before shooting/laying down template)
and merely presumed one would have to try again.

All the best
Tom

 

[Tinman]

I have done a number of starburst patterns but find it much easier using bandsawn veneers at about 2mm. These are thick enough to edge glue so you can build the pattern up as you go and you can reshoot/trim the glued up sections. The key is to cut the triangles with fractionally too large an angle so that if you have to trim them then you are trimming the outer part rather than the centre

 

[TomTrees]

But have you ever seen before, or have needed to use the tip of flipping the segments in order
to get the best colour match, since you've used presumably veneer which you've sawn yourself..
or indeed perhaps if a pack didn't make the cut?

Likewise, the grouping the veneers to suit the grain pictured before the use of the template...
Have you ever seen, or needed to use the trick of matching via end grain,
instead of keeping the pack flush?

(Since we're not talking about matching sheets from the likes from Capital crispin.)
Those two tips I've not seen anywhere before, though perhaps it's just normal practice,
hard to know from the replies that I've explained well enough, and/or if the screen shots was actually looked at.
BTW, Nice work Tinman.

Tom

 

[TomTrees]

Hello again
I've taken some more screenshots of things, as I guess at thirty five minutes long...
the video is too long for some folks to watch.
It seems some wire crossing has happened, as I didn't think posting the whole show might be necessary,
and instead mentioned specifically the two tips what I've not seen anywhere else.

From what I can see, the use of the tips isn't going to upset anyone's methodology,
though it would be interesting to be schooled on something, in which Mr McLaughlin might have left out.

In effort to clear things up, I've posted the template.
The difference here being that each leaf in the pack or flitch aren't all flush on the edges,
but smushed around a bit to attain the best match....
taped and marked out, before cutting and butting all edges flush thereafter.



Once cut on the bandsaw, then over to the shooting board.


"Numbering" @ 22 mins into video.
I'm not sure I can describe the other tip of flipping the parts adequately enough in order not to cause confusion.
This might explain more, note the circled numbers on every other sheet.
I doubt this is anything new, just that I've not came across such, and thought worth posting
and seeing the replies from the experienced folk.

Just for clarity, I'm not intending to attempt anything of the sort in the near future.
I've only posted the video as it a recent one, as it's rare enough that you get something new with substance,
well, not much considering fine cabinetry, in a tutorial fashion that is..

Take by comparison site work shows on YT, to the seemingly infinite tips regarding construction which one can glean from the likes of Robin Clevett, where I learn something new practically every episode.
Likewise with Bradshaw, whether lurkers or registered, good chance most folks tune in to seek some tips for fine joinery side of things.



All the best
Tom