The first twelve veneers described on page one of
this series showed some of the most distinctive veneers used in marquetry. Those
veneers are generally fairly easy to identify and have individually unique
characteristics, however, this next set of veneers and the following sets I
shall be describing over the ensuing months will not always have such
distinctive traits as those you have already seen. So, to make the listings flow
easier I shall be listing the rest of the veneers in this series in alphabetical
order. I hope you find this helpful.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.
Click on any of the numbers below for a quick
link to its respective veneer description page:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12 13
14
15
16
17
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.
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