It’s all in how you slice it!
A log is selected for veneer or plywood manufacture based on character,
grain and other desirable characteristics. Not every log is suitable. At
the mill, the log is cut to length, stripped of its bark, cleaned and
steamed to soften the wood for cutting. The following are the five basic
ways veneer is cut. Each reveals a unique character and beauty of the
wood.
ROTARY CUT For bold, wavy, wild and variegated grain.
A common veneer cut is rotary cut, produced by turning a whole
log on a lathe against a broad cutting knife, much like unwinding a
roll of paper. Extra wide sheets with bold, wavy grain
FLAT CUT or PLAIN SLICED Semi-straight grain, cathedrals.
Attractive veneer is produced by cutting the log in half
lengthwise and slicing parallel to the center. The "V" shaped
cathedral markings are the innermost growth rings of the tree.
The log is divided in quarters lengthwise and cut exactly
perpendicular to the growth rings to produce a fine, consistent,
straight grain with ribbon-like markings.
RIFT CUT Straight grain similar to quarter cut.
Oak trees contain characteristic growth features called medullary
rays…cells radiating outward from the center of the tree like the
spokes of a wheel. If oak is quarter sliced, flakes result from
cutting parallel to these rays (often seen in older furniture made
from oak). To minimize the occurrence of these flakes, the cant is
cut at an angle of 15 degrees off the quartered position.
HALF-ROUND Modified characteristics of both
flat cut and rotary.
The lengthwise split log is mounted off center and is cut around
the perimeter of the log. This produces a grain with a combination
of rotary and flat cut characteristics. It causes cathedrals to be
rounded at the peak and can enhance exotic grain patterns such as
Birdseye Maple.
