I had an idea for a Christmas present for my wife last year. I took headshots of the kids and the plan was to make marquetry versions of the shadow portraits we did with construction paper in kindergarten. I have oak for the background and walnut for the 'shadow'. It didn't get done so I want to try it for her birthday.
The problem is cutting the veneer. It is a little thicker than 1/16". I've tried an xacto knife, a craft knife and a rolling cutter but can't seem to get clean cuts. I thought of sandwiching the veener between scraps and cutting on a bandsaw, but I might not be able to match the shadow with the background if I do. Plus it would take a lot of scrap. I'd also like a process that is more repeatable, and preferably quiet so I can do this at night.
Would soaking the veneer in water help? Is it possible to temporarily glue it to something and plane it to get it thinner and easier to cut?
The problem is cutting the veneer. It is a little thicker than 1/16". I've tried an xacto knife, a craft knife and a rolling cutter but can't seem to get clean cuts. I thought of sandwiching the veener between scraps and cutting on a bandsaw, but I might not be able to match the shadow with the background if I do. Plus it would take a lot of scrap. I'd also like a process that is more repeatable, and preferably quiet so I can do this at night.
Would soaking the veneer in water help? Is it possible to temporarily glue it to something and plane it to get it thinner and easier to cut?