Grading GuidelinesTechnical
Veneer Cuts
The size of the log, species of wood, the grain pattern desired and other factors determine which type of cut will be made to create veneer. Below are some of the most common methods of cuts.
Quarter Sawn - Quarter slicing simulates the quarter sawing process of solid lumber, roughly parallel to a radius line through the log segment. In many species the individual leaves are narrow as a result. Each quarter of a log is placed on the slicer plate so that each stroke of the slicer will pass the flitch over the knife approximately perpendicular to the growth rings, and radial to the center of the log. This produces a very straight grain.
Rift - The rift, or comb-grain effect, is obtained by slicing slightly across the medullary rays. This accentuates the vertical grain and minimizes the flake. Rift-cut veneers are more expensive due to lower yield from the log. Rift veneers are produced most often in Red and White Oak, rarely in other species. Note that rift veneers and rift sawn solid lumber are produced so differently that a “match” between rift veneers and rift sawn solid lumber is highly unlikely. In both cases the cutting is done slightly off the radius lines minimizing the “flake” associated with quarter slicing.
Plain Sawn (Flat Cut) - Plain sliced veneer is veneer sliced parallel to the center of the log to achieve flat-cut veneer.
The resulting cut is characterized by straight grain intermixed with cathedrals. This method is moderately priced and is available for most wood species.
The cathedrals are formed by the inner most annual growth rings as the veneer is cut through the flitch.
Rotary - Rotary veneer is produced by centering the log in a lathe and turning it against a broad cutting knife which is set into the log at a slight angle. Rotary cut veneer can be sufficiently wide to provide full sheet (one piece) faces.