Abstract
The growing use of crotch, burl, and stump veneers has added to the technical difficulties of fine-furniture manufacturing. Animal glue, for manufacturing fancy veneered work, has properties commending it to the plywood maker, such as (1) its fluidity, giving a moderately large spread in highly concentrated solution; (2) its neutral reaction and chemical inertness, which make it incapable of staining delicate face veneers; and (3) its quick-setting and fast-drying tendencies, which permit prompt pressing. Modern processes of sizing and gluing are described. The veneering operation is analyzed from the standpoint of (1) the large area of wood surface to be covered with glue, (2) the large proportionate amount of moisture absorbed by the wood from the glue, (3) the short distance from the glue line to the surface to be finished, (4) the comparatively long assembly time, (5) the emphasis on beauty of appearance in the fabricated article, (6) the need for speed of production, and (7) the importance of quick and proper drying. The conclusion is reached that animal glue has kept pace with the industry and is well qualified for the highly decorative, if somewhat difficult, veneering processes of today.
