Don't find you nosey at all JC.
Happy you're interested. I can use all the advice I can get. Kinda jumpin into the darkness here as I have never done anything like this before.
Basically, I want this look.
http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/karelian-birch-10113902.jpg
The pieces I ordered don't have quite as many black spots as this example.
but I want it to look like Sonor did it. Vertical like all the rosewood ones you see.
I really fell in love with the way this wood looks like flames but it's natural.
I ordered enuf extra that I can play with application and staining techniques before I do the actual kit.
The reasons for the PVA are:
long open time.
ability to fix bubbles with a clothes iron.
clear glue lines(I'm using white type 2 PVA)
since the veneer is 1/42" thick, any bleed thru is much easier to hide.
environmentally friendly.
the only thing I'm a bit nervous about is PVA's reputation for joint creep but hopefully it won't be much of an issue with this application.
I like using lacquer for finish coats because it can be repaired, it buffs out nice and it can be waxed.