Wood Veneer Cutting Methods and veneer Characteristics: The manner in which veneers are eut is an important factor in producing the various visual effects obtained. Two logs of the same specie, but with their veneer cut differently, will have entirely different visual characteristics even though their colours may be similar. In veneer manufacture, six principal methods of cutting veneers are used.
Qarter Cut

The quarter log or flitch is mounted on the guide plate so that the growth rings of the log strike the knife at approximately right angles producing a series of stripes, straight in some woods and varied in others.

Crown Cut or flat Slicing

The half log or flitch, is mounted with the heart side flat against the guide plate of the slicer and the slicing is done paralel to a line through the centre of the log. This produces a variegated figure.
Rotary Peeling

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 bold variegated grain marking is produced. Rotary peeled veneer is exceptionally wide.

Half-Round Slicing

A variation of rotary cutting in which segments or flitches of the log are mounted off centre in the lathe. This Results in a cut similar to a crown cut but slightly across the annular growth rings and visually shows modified characteristics of both rotary and plain sliced veneers. Genearlly produces a wide heart with reduced guarter grain on the sides of the crown.
Rift-Cut

Rift cut veneer is produced in the various species of Oak and Sapelle. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the centre of the log like the curved spokes of a wheel. The rift or comb grain effect is obtained by cutting at an angle of about 15 desress off the guartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays.

Lengthwise Slicing

A board of flat saw lumber is passed flat over a stationary knife. As it passet of the board. This produces a variegated figure.