Now that I have the veneer cut to size I am ready to make some marks on the shell where the veneer will start. I set the shell on my table saw (nice flat surface), wrapped the veneer around it and held it with a strap clamp around the center of the drum. Then folded over the veneer back and marked the end of the veneer on the shell. Do this to both ends. I also marked the end of the veneer where it overlapped the starting edge. Since this is the bass drum and the joint will be on the bottom of the drum, I made and X on the veneer and the shell so I can remember which edge is the starting edge and where it starts.
I laid down some clean cardboard on my work table for spraying the veneer sheet. The shell was placed on a turntable that I use for spraying cabinet doors. I have made different types and sizes of attachments that easily lift on and off of the turntable base. The one I am using is great for drum shells. You can get contact cement in an aerosol spray can. It is easy and clean to use but its not as good as brushing or rolling the adhesive because the spray with is not consistent, it sprays a nice 2 or 3 inch wide pattern but occasionally it will clog and spit out a small stream and mess up your pattern. But, it still works just fine, you cant feel any bumps or rough spots after the veneer is applied.
I moved the sprayed veneer from the clean cardboard, flipped the cardboard over so I can place the sprayed shell on a clean surface. Now simply align the starting edge (X marks the spot) with you pencil marks. Start buy sticking the corner of one end while holding the other end up away from the shell. Remember, if the veneer touches the shell it will bond instantly. Once the first corner is on the pencil mark slowly align the opposite side.
Once the sheet is aligned with both pencil marks use you fingers to press/rub the first inch or so down to the shell. Then slowly work the veneer to the shell rubbing with the palm of your hand as you go around. I tried using a small round pipe to act as a j-roller but I did not like it. With using your hand you can feel how smooth it is going.
Jeff C