If you have a small shop without a press your best bet is to use contact cement. This is really the best way to apply backed veneers without the aid of a press. The only drawback is that the bond is immediate. You won't have any time to position your pieces. All other adhesives really require the use of a press.
Presses vary from simple vacuum bag presses to complex multi-opening hot presses.
Vacuum bag presses are relatively inexpensive and can be used for a wide range of applications. They allow for positioning of the veneer on the substrate and only require pressure for 30-60 minutes. Finally, as long as you are using backed veneers there are many adhesive options open to you. If you decide to use raw veneer, urea resin is the best choice. Jeff Pitcher is Marketing Director for Custom-Pak Adhesives in Newark, Ohio.