Question about veneer

[Scott Aldridge]

I am attempting my first project designed to actually be used in the house.  I am building a bookshelf out of 3/4" birch plywood and would like to use a small roundover bit to smooth the edges.  Question I have what time do I use the veneer on the plywood edges?  Before or after I round the edges?

[Jay Boutwell]

Hi Scott,  In answer to your qustion about the veneer application.  If you are talking about using the iron on or stick on veneer that is thin you will want to apply the veneer before you use the round over bit.  If you don't then you will have to cut the veneer to fit the plywood edge round over.  The veneer will then have to be trimed off using a knife or sandpaper of both. 

I would think seriously about ripping some solid birch lumber down to like 1/4" thich and glue it on.  Then you can then round over the material with the router bit.  You will find this to be a better method than using veneer.  It is more durable in the long run.

[Scott Aldridge]

Thanks for the help with the veneer.  Also didn't think of ripping birch lumber for the purpose ... to bad I don't have access to any where I live.

[ray vile]

I agree with Jay but if you can't find birch in your area I have used maple to edge birch plywood in the past with some good results

[SS81]

I've done just that. Taken a small piece, routed the trim I wanted and use some glue and a pin nailer. Looks pretty decent. Just remember to clamp it down and keep the top surface flush. I used paint so I was able to get away with poplar wood.

Even if you put the veneer on first I don't see how you wont cut into and expose part of the core with a round over bit. Maybe it's possible, I'm not sure

There is a video that kreg sells on cabinet making. He talks about using a bullnose and sticking it to the counter top. He uses pocket screws but that's overkill in my opinion. Pin and glue has worked really well.

Are you using a face frame?