Timber veneer is a natural product that is manufactured from the slicing of very thin sheets off a log/tree.
These slices are approximately 0.6 to 6mm in thickness.
There are several methods of slicing which produces the different veneer grades & patterns:
Veneering Grains
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
This method of slicing is a variation of the rotary cutting in which segments of the log are mounted off center in 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 of the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays. This accentuates the veritcal grain and minimizes the flake.
Quarter Sliced
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 multi-patterned grain marking is produced. Rotary cut veneer is exceptionally wide.
