real wood veneers
veneer cuts
Real wood veneer is sliced in several ways to create different features in the grain. The three principle methods of cutting real wood veneer are:
Flat slice (crown cut) - the half log or flitch is mounted with the heart side flat against the machine table and the slicing is carried out parallel to the line through the centre of the log. This produces a crown or heart feature. This is sometimes known as cathedral crown (as in cathedral windows).
Quarter cut (straight grain) - the quarter log or flitch is mounted on the machine table so that the growth rings of the log strike the knife at approximate right angles, producing a vertical lined effect usually known as straight grain.
Rift cut - the quarter log or flitch is mounted a little off centre on to a staylog machine and rotated against the knife. This produces a grain pattern similar to quarter cut but yields greater widths.
Other real wood veneer production methods are:
- Rotary
- Half round slicing
- Burr production
Cut veneers have a loose and tight side that reflects light differently showing alternate light and dark leaves - refer to slip matching.