Well my Butt's not shrinking, lol!

Good point though, I always wondered about that. Guess I should go take a close look at the ones I did several years ago.

Cut that veneer right down the seam with a razor, pull out the bottom piece of the lap and the top lap will fall into perfect place if done correctly. A wallpaper seam so to speak.

Invisible joints hold well underneath layers of lacquer. Furniture guys do them often.

And one Cabinet maker that should.....

Jeff your finishes always are professional.

Jeff maybe it time to attempt a scarf joint .....

Ya, I know that trick and have done it in other situations. The problem is,, my contact cement is instant, once you touch the two parts together they are bonded, there is no backing out. So if I were to lap the edge of the the veneer one inch or so over the edge I started with then cut through both plys I cannot remove the fall off piece that is on the bottom because its glued to the shell. I suppose I could plan where the cut joint will be and leave the glue off of the veneer for the first inch or so. But even when the glue is dry its a little tacky and any little chunk or splinter of wood that get caught under the veneer is almost impossible to remove. I would love to see how the furniture guys do all of those inlays someday. I really dont work with veneer other than drums so its an ongoing education for me. This is only the seventh set of drums I have done veneer on and I still have a lot to learn. These shells look real nice even with the overlapped joint. I know from talking to the owner that he will be happy even though they are not 100% perfect, they do have a few blemishes. Johns kit had a few blemishes as well and he was very happy.

Im not sure if I want to continue doing these drum projects for other people or not, Im always worried that it wont be good enough. My work is not perfect and someday I will meet the guy who is perfect and we will have a problem. I enjoy doing my own drums but like I say its a little more stressful doing others which takes a little of the fun out of it, and that why I did all of mine, it was fun.

So anyway, when I do butt joints I just cut it off right were the other edge started and hope for the best.

Thanks so much Odball!

Jeff as a pro in your field , there are constant advancement in both your and my trade , I always think out if the box and come up with a plan as I know you do too. listen pal we are only human and part of the natural flaws in nature and man make for a great look you can not get in manufactured process I always put defects in material and workmanship in my proposals that they are part of the look , as long as u do furniture grade refinishing Every one likes that , natural defects give it character , any ways good work like your is hard to find so keep it up ....

Thanks Gary!

Jeff, you may not be perfect but you do a fantastic job. You work can stand up against any there is. You do a great job and can be very proud of yourself!