Wood Veneers cutting methods and Veneer characteristics

WOOD VENEERS CUTTING METHODS AND VENEER CHARACTERISTICS

The manner in which veneers are cut is an important factor in producing the various visual effects obtained. Two logs of the same species, but with their veneers cut differently, will have entirely different visual characteristics even though their colours may be similar.

In veneer manufacture, five principal methods of cutting veneers are used.

ROTARY PEELING

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 bold variegated grain marking is produced. Rotary peeled veneer is exceptionally wide.

QUARTER CUT

The quarter log or flitch, is mounted on the guide plate so that we growth rings of the log strike the knife at approximately right angles producing a series of stripes, striaight in some woods and varied in others.

CROWN CUT OR FLAT SLICING

The haft log or flitch, is mounted with the heart side flat against the guide plate of the slicer and the slicing is done parallel to a line through the centre of the log. The produces a variegated figure.

HALF-ROUND SLICING

A variation of rotary cutting in which segments of flitches of the log are mounted off centre in the lathe. This results in a cut similar to a crown cut but slightly across the annular growth rings and visually shows modified characteristics of both rotary and plain sliced veneers. Generally produces a wide heart with reduced quarter grain on the sides of the crown.

RIFT-CUT

Rift cut veneer is produced in the various species of Oak. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the centre of the log like the curved spokes of a wheel. The rift or comb grain effect is obtained by cutting at an angle of about 15 degrees off the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays.