The log is mounted centrally in the lathe and turned against a razor sharp blade, like unwinding a roll of paper. Since this cut follows the logs angular growth rings, a multi-patterned grain marking is produced. Rotary cut veneer is exceptionally wide. |
The half log, or flitch, is mounted with the heart side flat against the flitch table of the slicer and the slicing is done parallel to a line through the center of the log. This produces a distinct figure. |
The quarter log, or flitch, is mounted on the flitch table so that the growth rings of the log strike the knife at approximately right angles, producing a series of stripes, straight in some woods, varies in others. |
Rift veneer is produced in the various species of Oak. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the center of the log likes curved spokes of a wheel. The rift or comb grain effect is obtained by cutting at an angle of about 15 degrees off the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays. |
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 veneers. |
