May 30, 2008, Newsletter Issue #82: How Veneer Is Made

Tip of the Week


The size of the log, the species of wood, the grain pattern desired and other factors determine which type of cut will be made to create veneer. Here are some of the most common methods of cutting logs:




The Rotary cut is where the log is centered on a lathe and turned against a broad cutting knife set into the log at a slight angle.Quarter slicing is made perpendicular to the annual growth rings of the tree. This creates a straight grain appearance.Lengthwise slicing is done from a board of flat sawn lumber rather than from a log. A varigated figure is created with this slice.Plain slicing is slicing parallel to the center of the log, a raised "cathedral effect" is formed by the innermost growth rings.Half-round slicing is done on an arc parallel to the center of the log, this cut achieves a flat-cut veneer appearance. This straight grain cut is done by slicing red and white oak at a slight angle to minimize the irregularities in the wood. Now that’s a lot of slicing! With each method a specific look is achieved, depending on what your looking for will determine which type of veneer cut you would like to use.

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