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11240 GEMINI LANE |
TYPES OF VENEER CUTS
The method in which veneers are cut is an important factor in producing the various visual effects. Two logs of the same species, but with their veneers cut differently, will have entirely different visual characteristics.
In veneer manufacturing, five principle methods of cutting are used:
Plain (Flat) Sliced
The half log, or flitch, is mounted with the heart side flat against the flitch table of the slicer and the slicing is done parallel to a line through the center of the log. This produces a distinct figure.
Half Round Sliced
A variation of the rotary cutting. Segments or flitches of the log are monted off center on the lathe. This results in a cut slightly across the annular growth rings, and visually shows modified characteristics of both rotary and plain sliced veneers.
Rift Cut
Rift cut veneer is produced in the various species of Oak. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the center of the log. The rift or comb grain effect is obtained by cutting at an angle of about 15% off the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays.
Quarter Slice
The quarter log or flitch is mounted on the flitch table so that the growth rings of the log strike the knife at approximately right angles, producing a series of stripes, straight in some woods, varied in others.
Rotary Cut
The log is mounted centrally in the lathe and turned against a razor sharp blade, like unwinding a roll of paper. Since the cut follows the log's annular growth rings, a mult-patterned grain marking is produced. Rotary cut veneer is exceptionally wide.
