How cutting affects decorative hardwood veneer

E Igure In Decorative

I hardwood veneer is important since the visual effect of the application depends on the grain pattern and movement in the wood. A variety of visual effects is available, depending on the way in which the veneer is cut. Two logs of the same species with the veneers cut differently will produce veneers of distinctive visual characteristics although the colors are similar. Variegated grain, figure, stripes, straight or varied, rift or combed effects are some of the variations possible.

Five principle methods of cutting are used in veneer manufacturlng.

Rotary

The rotary cut follows the log's annual growth rings to produce a bold variegated grain marking. In this method, the log is mounted centrally in the lathe and turned against a razor sharp blade. The cut, much like the unwinding of a roll of paper, produces exceptionally wide veneer.

ROTARY Story at a Glance

Flat Slicing

The heart side of a half loe or flitch is placed flat against the giide plate of the slicer in flat slicing. The slicing is done parallel to a Iine through the center of the log and produces a variegated figure.

Half-Round Slicing

Half-round slicing is a variation of rotary cutting. Segments of logs or flitches are mounted off center in the lathe. The result is a cut sliehtlv across the annular (yearty) gr5*ttr rings. The figure produced is a modification of the rotary and plain sliced veneer characteristics.

FLAT SLICING Rift-Cut

Various species of oak are used for rift cut veneer because oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the center of the log like the curved spokes of a wheel. Cutting at an angle about 15oh off the quarter position results in a rift or comb grain effect. The angle is necessary to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays.

Veneer men emphasize the importance of the figure and grain pattern on the face ofthe veneer by describing the characteristics of the wood in terms of these fieures.

HALF.ROUND SLICING

Quarter Slicing

For quarter slicing the quarter log or flitch is mounted on the guide plate with the growth rings of the log striking the knife at approximately right angles. In some woods this produces a series of straight stripes, in others varied stripes.