Pesky Rabbit (joint) Problem.. Need Advice

[WWWJD]

I'm coming along on my first cabinets; all mitered joints. Now I'm getting to the point where I need to make my baffle cutouts. My cabinet is 9 1/2" wide, and my baffle is 9" wide, which leaves a 1/4" on either side of the baffle cutout / recess.

My question is: Should I veneer the front of the enclosure first, and rabbit that narrow passage next to the recess after everything's glued down? Or do you guys think veneering a 1/4" wide section of enclosure should be easy without tear outs?

I'm just wondering if I should hold off on doing this rabbit till later. See below.



Thanks y'all,

[tpremo55]

Re: Pesky Rabbit (joint) Problem.. Need Advice

I'd probably cut the veneer with a steel straight edge and a new blade to a thickness just a hair over 1/4" (like 1/32). Align the baffle edge perfect, then just sand the slight overhang. No tear-out.

[mgrabow]

Re: Pesky Rabbit (joint) Problem.. Need Advice

I would glue the veneer after the baffle is glued in place. I usually start with the back, then the sides, then the front... so all the edges of the venner are hidden from the front...

I use lots of blue painters tape to prevent tear out...