Veneer is typically made by carefully slicing thin sheets of wood from logs or large wood blocks.
Veneer production involves reducing logs into very thin layers of wood, which are then used for various applications like plywood, furniture surfacing, and decorative panels. The primary methods focus on achieving uniform thickness while highlighting the natural beauty of the wood grain.
Primary Methods of Veneer Manufacturing
According to the reference, veneer is obtained through two main processes:
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Peeling the Trunk:
- This method involves rotating a log against a long blade.
- Think of it like unrolling a roll of paper; the wood is peeled off in a continuous sheet.
- This technique is often used for producing veneer for plywood core layers due to its efficiency.
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Slicing Large Rectangular Blocks:
- This technique uses large rectangular blocks of wood known as flitches.
- A flitch is mounted on a slicing machine, and a blade slices thin sheets one after another.
- This method allows for more control over the grain pattern and is often preferred for producing decorative face veneers from highly figured woods.
Understanding Wood Grain and Figure
The appearance of the grain and figure in wood veneer is directly influenced by how the wood is cut. The reference states that this comes from slicing through the growth rings of a tree and depends upon the angle at which the wood is sliced.
Different slicing methods relative to the log or flitch can create distinct grain patterns:
- Plain Slicing (Flat Cut): Slicing parallel to the center of the log, resulting in a cathedral-like pattern.
- Quarter Slicing: Slicing perpendicular to the growth rings, producing straighter grain patterns and sometimes "ray" or "fleck" figures in certain woods.
- Rift Slicing: Slicing at an angle (usually 15 degrees) to the growth rings, yielding a straight, fine grain appearance without much ray or fleck.
These different cutting angles allow manufacturers to optimize the yield and appearance of the veneer based on the specific wood species and desired aesthetic.
By utilizing either peeling or slicing techniques, manufacturers can efficiently transform raw timber into thin, versatile wood sheets, capturing the unique character and beauty of the wood grain.
