Veneer, Plywood and Laminates

Abstract

Probably the first veneer was manufactured in ancient Egypt around 3000 B.C. These veneers were relatively small pieces of valuable woods selected for the manufacture of costly furniture for kings and princes. The small veneer pieces were produced by hand sawing, then smoothed with suitable grinding materials (for example pumice) and subsequently combined with thin pieces of other materials such as metals or ivory in an artistic manner to produce articles ranging from bedsteads to coffins The types of glues used are unknown, but they were probably basically albumin. The throne found in the tomb of Tut-anch-Amun 1361 until 1352 B. C.) (Fig. 3.1) is made from cedarwood overlaid with thin sheets of ivory and ebony. Queen Cleopatra VII (69 until 30 B.C.) sent as a gift a precious table with inlaid work to Julius Caesar. It is known from publications by Pliny the Elder (24 until 79 B. C.) that during his time the masters in Rome were well acquainted with veneering techniques and some principles of plywood-effects.