Veneer trimming options...

Through experiment I found the straight trimming bit to work best for my needs. I also tried a down-cut spiral, but found that it left the veneer's paper backing glued to the side of the box.

This style trimming bit worked best in my experiments.	I tried this spiral down-cut router bit, but it pushed the paper backing against the side of the box and heat from friction glued it there.

There are other methods suggested for veneer trimming including the Band-it edge trimmer from Parts Express (and similar products sold elsewhere). They consist of plastic bodies with a replaceable blade to trim the veneer. While the cut is simple going with the direction of the grain, I found that it didn't cut easily going against the grain. It required lots of pressure, and guiding it accurately along the edge became difficult. On my first experiment, it gouged the side of the test material when it went slightly off-course. Admittedly I may not have mastered the proper technique, but I abandoned this approach without further experiments. It should work very well with thin sheets of vinyl coverings, etc. that are thinner and don't have grain.

I bought this edge trimmer from Woodcraft. It looks similar, if not identical, to the Band It edge trimmer from Parts Express.

Another Parts Express Tech Talk user suggested using a Veritas Flush plane to trim the excess veneer. The picture below came from Lee Valley Tools where this tool is sold. I haven't tried it, but it looks well made. The user who suggested it is an experienced builder and it works well for him.

The Veritas Flush Plane was suggested by an experienced builder on the Parts Express Tech Talk forum. It's one idea that I didn't try myself.

Regardless of which trimmer you choose, I believe that you should leave a little bit of veneer edge to gently sand away to get the best edge.

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