Veneer Cutting Methods

Rotary-Cut Veneer

Is manufactured by advancing a rotating log against a stationary knife. Since this cut follows the log's annual growth rings, a wide, bold grain pattern is produced. Rotary cut veneer is a cost effective method to obtain remarkable effects from birch, maple and oak.

Lengthwise Sliced Veneer

Lengthwise Sliced Veneer.

A board of flat sawn lumber is passed flat over a stationary knife. As it passes, a sheet of veneer is sliced from the bottom of the board. This produces a variegated figure.  

Plain-Sliced Veneer

(also Known as Flat Cut or Crown Cut)

Is the most widely used. It is manufactured by advancing a half log against a stationary knife in an up-and-down movement. The resulting cut is characterized by straight grain intermixed with cathedrals. This method is moderately priced and is available for most wood species. 

Half-round Sliced

Half-round Sliced.

A variation of rotary cutting. Segments or flitches of the log are mounted off center on the lathe. This results in a cut slightly across the annular growth rings, and visually shows modified characteristics of both rotary and plain sliced veneer. 

Uses the same cutting method as plain-sliced veneer, except the log is cut into quarters prior to slicing. This method bisects annual growth rings and results in a straight grain or ribbon-striped (mahogany) appearance. Due to low yield from the log, this veneer is usually more costly. Walnut, mahogany, oak and teak are most often used.

Rift-Cut Veneer

Uses various species of oak. The rift, or comb-grain effect, is obtained by slicing slightly across the medullar rays. This accentuates the vertical grain and minimized the flake. Rift-cut veneers are more expensive due to lower yield from the log.