| Veneers, their descriptions and uses in marquetry by Roy Murton |
Okay then, we'll now start with the letter "A"
13/. AFRORMOSIA: A coffee brown coloured veneer. It has a lightly striped grain pattern that works well in things like landscapes for instance. It has a pleasant and easy grain structure that makes it a nice veneer to work with. This is a West African veneer and is also known as Redbark and Devil's Tree. It's Latin name is Afrormosia elata.
14/. AGBA: A light tanned orangey / brown veneer. It has a nice slightly pronounced grain pattern that could be used for sandy beaches or animal fur. It originates from Nigeria. Latin name: Gossweilerodenron balsamiferum.
15/. AMERICAN GUM: Pink tinged silvery brown veneer which is lovely to work with. It has some wonderful varied figuring that has diverse uses in marquetry. Very nice to work with. As you would have expected this veneer comes from the USA and it's Latin name is Liquidambar styraciflua.
16/. AMERICAN PLUM: This veneer can have some striking red, brown and coffee coloured figuring patterns, although the sample shown in our gallery is taken from a uniform brown only section. It is a tricky veneer to cut as you have to ensure that your blade is lubricated with wax constantly otherwise your blade will stick and won't cut cleanly. It has some useful 'cast shadow' applications in it's grain pattern and colouring. This is another veneer that obviously originates from the USA. I'm afraid I can't find any reference for it's Latin name, so for the moment we will have to leave it with just it's American name. (Extra Note) I would like to thank Mark Bendickson from Oregon USA for his help with the Latin name of this veneer. Mark has given me two Latin names for American Plum and they are "Prunus Americana" and "Rosaceae Prunus Americana". Thanks for the info Mark.
17/. AMERICAN BURR WALNUT: A very dark, almost black, curly patterned burr veneer. Our example has an almost crown cut look to it, although many examples will have a 'car dashboard veneer' look to them. When varnished the dark areas will look almost jet black so be careful with your selection. Useful for a dark cloudy night time sky effect. As with the previous two veneers, this veneer also comes from the USA. This veneer's Latin name is Juglans Nigra.
18/. ANTIARIS: Light gold to orange brown veneer. Straight fairly loose grain pattern. Useful for animal coats or grass effects. Reasonably easy to work with. Originates from Nigeria. Latin name: Antiaris Africana.
19/. ASH: A light cream to pink colouring (our example is pink tinged). It often has a wide spaced line pattern and is crown cut figured. Useful for highlights. It is European in origin and it's Latin name is Fraximus excelsior.
20/. ASPEN: Light gold to burnished copper often with pink coloured streaks. Very useful for sky effects. Our example is from the copper coloured end of the spectrum. Also known as Trembling Aspen. This is another European veneer. It's Latin name is Populus tremula.
21/. AYAN: Golden brown often with a mottled figuring. It is the African version of Satinwood. This is a West African veneer. Latin name: Distemonanthus Benthamianus.
22/. BIRCH CANADIAN: Smooth grained crown cut Birch has a figuring pattern similar in effect to a water mark in paper. Pleasant to work with. As is obvious from it's name, this veneer comes from Canada. Latin name: Betulia alleghaniensis.
23/. BIRCH MASUR: Has an interesting patterning similar to burr like figuring. This patterning is caused by beetles burrowing into the trees. It almost describes stone walling without any additional work being needed to it. Also useful for crumpled silk clothing effects. This veneer is of Scandinavian origin. Latin name: Betula Verrucosa.
24/. BLACKBEAN AUSTRALIAN: Deep brown with a close grain straight flowing figuring pattern. It is of a uniform colouring with a 'clean' look to it. Handy if you require a virtually blemish free deep brown effect in a part of your marquetry picture. Would you believe this veneer comes from Australia, in fact it comes from Eastern Australia. It's Latin name being Castanospemum Australe.
Well that's the latest selection of veneer examples added to our gallery. I hope you're finding these veneers helpful when you are making your selections.
Don't forget to keep a steady hand when cutting, Roy.
Veneer Gallery 1 |
Gallery 2 |
Gallery 3 |
Gallery 4 |
Gallery 5 |
Gallery 6 |
Gallery 7 |
Gallery 8
Veneer
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