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Home-->Tech Info-->Cut and G-->Tech Info-->Cut and Grain Pattern
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Rotary Cut:ld, variegated figure. An undivided length of log
is mounted in a manner that permits it to be turned on its long axis. While spinning,
a razor-sharp knife, as long as or longer than the section of log, is slowly advanced
toward the center of rotation. The veneer produced comes from the log as a continuous
sheet. Much like paper being unwound from a roll. Rotary-cut veneer is primarily
used in the manufacture of softwood plywood, and for applications where matching
is unimportant. Hardwood veneer that may be rotary cut is usually limited to birch,
maple, oak and ash.
Quarter Cut: Straight grain or ribbon-striped appearance. The
cant is mounted on the slicer in a position that will cause the growth rings to
strike the knife at an approximate right angle. The edge of the annual rings creates
the lineal figure of the veneer. Oak species will also include flakes. (see Rift
Cut). Only wood species with distinctive annual rings are quarter sliced, producing
a consistent appearance throughout the flitch. Some popular quarter species cuts
include mahogany, oak, anigre and zebra wood.
Flat Cut & Plain Sliced: Also
know as plain slicing and plain sawn. A variegated figure typified by straight grain
mixed with swirls and cathedrals. Flat-cut veneer is produced by advancing a half
log, mounted on a large steel rack that moves up and down and towards a stationary
knife through a series or vertical, parallel cuts. Although grains variations will
change from tree to tree, the designer can anticipate that the pattern will be somewhat
similar. Flat-sliced veneer is moderately priced and commonly available in most
wood species.
Rift Cut: A straight grain effect similar to true quarter cut veneer.
Oak trees contain characteristic growth features called medullary rays—cells radiating
outward from the center of the tree, like the spokes of a wheel. If oak is quarter
sliced, flakes result from cutting parallel to these rays (often seen in older furniture
made from oak). To minimize the occurrence of these flakes, the cant is cut at an
angle of 15 degrees off the quartered position.
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