[AK-Grwn_v2]

Got a question on treating uneven mdf edges prior to veneering. If the small edge of a panel sticks out too far I’d use a flush trim bit in a router to fix. But what if it’s the larger panel along the edge that sticks out? Sand away until it evens out? Is there another product that would harden good enough for the edge? The wood filler I have might be good for filling a hole but is too soft for an edge.

[KTS]

Got a question on treating uneven mdf edges prior to veneering. If the small edge of a panel sticks out too far I’d use a flush trim bit in a router to fix. But what if it’s the larger panel along the edge that sticks out? Sand away until it evens out? Is there another product that would harden good enough for the edge? The wood filler I have might be good for filling a hole but is too soft for an edge.

I am pretty dense, so I want to make sure I am understanding what you are asking. Are you trying to fix an edge because too much material was removed and it is uneven? Or trying to flush an edge because it is higher than the panel?

[KTS]

How are you attaching the veneer?

[AK-Grwn_v2]

I am pretty dense, so I want to make sure I am understanding what you are asking. Are you trying to fix an edge because too much material was removed and it is uneven? Or trying to flush an edge because it is higher than the panel?

Glueing up a cabinet and it’s uneven. This will be my first time veneering. The sides where the narrow edge of the MDF panel sticks out I can just flush trim the edge down. But in the areas where the narrow edge dips below the long side of the panel it joins it’s not so easy. Running the flush trim router will just push the edge back. I can sand it smooth but wondering if there’s another option.

[Peter J]

In general, sanding the larger surface to make it flush with low bit is a fool's errand unless you can keep it flat somehow. There are ways, but it's a process to get it right. When you drop a straight edge on side is it flat? How much does the low area dip and over what distance? Perhaps there's another way to address, like a radius? Polyester filler may work but it's not great for sculpting a profile. Photo would be helpful.

[EdwardT]

This, I think, is the dilemma. I didn’t see a solution for this in my shop so I used a hand plane to shave the edges to match. After veneering it was only visible in strong light but it’s still a defect.

[WGH]

If the sides are not flush like in the photo above the easiest solution is to make a veneer strip using a bandsaw.
Glue and clamp overnight. Put masking or pack tape on the long clamp board so glue doesn't stick.
Sand flush using oversized sanding block so edge is not rolled over.
Repair takes less time to do than typing out this how-to explanation.

[AK-Grwn_v2]

This, I think, is the dilemma. I didn’t see a solution for this in my shop so I used a hand plane to shave the edges to match. After veneering it was only visible in strong light but it’s still a defect.

Yes. The small edge is lower than the panel. I tried sanding but it’s quite an ordeal. And the wood filler I have crumbles if I were to try and use it to fill in an edge like that. Tried that on a previous project.

[AK-Grwn_v2]

If the sides are not flush like in the photo above the easiest solution is to make a veneer strip using a bandsaw.
Glue and clamp overnight. Put masking or pack tape on the long clamp board so glue doesn't stick.
Sand flush using oversized sanding block so edge is not rolled over.
Repair takes less time to do than typing out this how-to explanation.

This is an interesting idea. Putting a strip of veneer under the veneer.

Edit: Thinking more on this I like it. If the “undercoat” veneer is thick enough then I can lay it down and flush trim to the panel.

Thanks!