| The manner in which veneer are cut is an important factor in producing the various visual effects obtained Two logs of the same species, but with their veneer cut differently, will have entirely different visual characters even though their colors are similar. In veneer manufacture, five principle methods of cutting veneer are used. | |
 | Flat Slicing 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 variegated figure. |
 | Quarter slicing The quarter log or flitch is mounted on the flitch table so that the growth ring of the log strike the knife at approximately right angle, producing a series of stripes, straight in some wood, varied in other. |
 | Rotary 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 log's annular growth rings, a bold variegated grain marking is produced. Rotary cut veneer is exceptionally wide. |
 | Rift-Cut Rift-cut veneer is produced in the various species of Oak. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the center 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% of the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays. |
 | Half-Round Slicing 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. |