Fall 2025
December 6-7

Introduction to Vacuum Bag Veneering

Weekend Class, Open to All

The use of wood veneers can greatly expand your design possibilities and save an ever-diminishing resource. In this weekend class, we will learn the basics of selecting and sourcing materials, how to prepare substrates, and various methods of applying veneers in a fast-paced, fun environment. Each student will make a small, square veneered tabletop, which can be later attached to a leg structure of your choosing.

In this two-day course, each student will build a small, square tabletop approximately 2’ by 2’ by 1’’ to take home with them by the end of the course. This tabletop can be used with a leg structure that they supply such as metal “hair pin” legs or a more classical wooden structure. Installation of those legs will not necessarily be part of the course outcomes.

Students will work under the direction of Instructor Tom Henscheid to understand the full life cycle of a typical veneer application on their individual pieces. These techniques include:

• Edgings

• Veneer layout

• Cutting veneer

• Jointing

• Seaming

• Veneering stitching and taping

• Glues and gluing applications

• Glue cawl preparation and pressing options

• Vacuum bag setup and use

• Finished panel trimming and completion

In addition, while we’re waiting for the glue to set up in the press, Tom will demonstrate alternate veneering processes such as hammer veneering, thermal-plastic gluing, curved panel processing, and single-sided bag process.

All materials, supplies and equipment for a 2’x2’x1” tabletop will be supplied. Veneers of a couple different woods will be available including some extraordinary figured Anegre. If students would like to bring any samples of their own veneer that is encouraged!