Requiring no expensive machinery, veneering offers woodworkers tremendous opportunities for creativity—and for using woods that may be rare, expensive, or structurally weak in their solid form. With this revised version of a classic guide—which includes a brand-new section on marquetry—woodworkers can learn all the basics, from terminology to materials, tools to techniques. There’s detailed instruction on substrates and bonding; preparing the wood; cutting, coloring, and strengthening the veneer; and various methods of finishing and polishing for long-lasting beauty. The exquisite projects range from boxes to a blanket chest, from a kidney-shaped desk to a round dining table. Like having a master craftsman close by, this unique course will help take woodworking skills to new heights.
While I have made my living at many things, I have worked with wood for over 60 years. Even with all of that practice, I can't say I'm the best, but I will say I'm very versatile. During breaks from woodworking, I worked as an electronics technician, teacher, floor coverings and counter top installer, pawnbroker, jeweler, project manager. Improving a home for my family of seven, I learned framing, drywall, roofing, plumbing, bricklaying, concrete, ceramic tile glazing, electrical work and, of course, painting and paperhanging. In maintaining my machinery, I became a fair welder, engine lathe operator, and I'm one of the few that can and will replace babbit bearings on old machinery that deserves a second chance. The last book I wrote contains a large section on simple blacksmithing and heat-treating steel.
Wishing to share some hard-learned information, I began writing in 1994. Since then I have written the books offered on this page. I have also written numerous magazine tips and articles, for all of the major woodworking publications but I lost count of these back in the late 90's. While I have two articles pending publication, I am now in the process of offering some older work for republication as I think that the lessons therein are well worth revisiting.
Though I have engaged in general millwork, my major interest has been in furniture for home and office. I prefer commissions that are challenging, curves, veneering and carving. To me all else are just boxes with drawers and doors. Some of my previous and present work is on display at http://www.burtonswoodartworks.com.
Between commissions--and sometimes through boredom--I tinker with different designs and techniques. I've even tried my hand at sculpture which I find quite relaxing along with being challenging. One of my latest adventures has produced WiggleWood, an adaptation of a marquetry technique called pad cutting. This has yielded some very interesting decorator items. Some of my sculpture and WiggleWood items are on display at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wigglewood65?ga_search_query=wigglewood65&ga_search_type=seller_usernames
I conjunction with my writing I have done all of my own photography. It seems that I always have a camera near at hand. In addition to boxes of chemical photos and gigs of digital relating to woodworking subjects, I have captured some very interesting building and landscape photos throughout the western United States. Wishing to share these too, I have them on display at my website, http://1-mike-burton.artistwebsites.com
Throughout my life I have taken many different roads, some have been smooth/some have been rocky, but none have been boring. MB
