veneer question

I would absolutely not hesitate to use contact cement to repair loose veneer. To do it right you must apply it to BOTH surfaces and let it flash off. (let it sit until it becomes clear) Once it has flashed off the stuff will bond to itself like you wouldn't believe. A thin even application is all you need. A good idea is to cover any veneer in close proximity with painters tape in case it gets slopped around.
Good luck

Get some "solid" glue (for glue-guns) and scrap off a small amount with a knife or razor blade. Then, gentle "tuck" that glue into the gap ("tuck-point" - like in masonry - BUT, DO IT GENTLY). Then take an iron (set between low and medium heat) and apply it to the veneer (keep the iron moving). When the glue softens (it will NOT take long), apply pressure for a minute, until the glue hardens. You will need use something to apply the pressure with (something that will cover the entire area - such as a piece of pre-cut wood. (Note: As stated by Mfkeleher, you may want to put something between the iron and veneer. A thin piece of soft cotton will be less likely to scratch the surface than paper).

In response to Mfkeleher's suggestion: If the veneer is varnished or laquered an iron will ruin the finish.

That is the point, carpenter glue is the one that gets absorbed by wood product, be it a veneer or a piece of wood. In addition, you could barely see it, when it dries. You can also sand MDF if it's too smooth. I've seen some MDF is silky smooth. I've used carpenter glue on MDF a lot, and always succesfully.
thanks

Dazzdax,
I have the same problem with a pair of IVAs finished in natural oak veneer. The fix shouldn't be too tough but finding the correct glue is problematic. You are glueing contact cement to contact cement rather than veneer to MDF. I would wait for a glue suggestion from someone who has actually completed such a project successfully.

this is what you need to do. carpenter glue does an excellent job on veneer. just use a plastic knife and squize some glue between veneer and mdf, let it dry for a minute or so and then press or use a clamp. it's easy.

The veneer is probably shrinking due to low humidity.
Something to think about when buying speakers, if you live where you heat the house in the winter.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Chris

If my experience is anything to go by, you should glue it right back as soon as you can. I had an edge loosen on one of my Meadowlarks, then a chip fell off and got lost. Although it's only about an inch long, a matching repair is turning out to be very hard to get.

Maybe someone with more experience will suggest what kind of glue to use, but if not, I would contact Lee Valley Tools for a recommendation. I'm in Canada, though, and they are too.

http://www.leevalley.com/

Sometimes glue which has come unstuck can be restuck with an iron. I just place a few sheets of packing paper between the sole of the iron and the loose veneer. The heat from the iron remelts the glue.

If that doesn't get it done, you might try a 5-minute epoxy spread thin, and a roller to continuously press down the loose veneer until the epoxy sets.