Veneer

VENEER

The primary process in the manufacture of wood based products is veneering which produces thin sheets of wood known as veneers. Timber veneer is a decorative building material comprising thin slices of timber glued onto wooden board, particle board or fibre board. It has been preferred by builders and designers since ancient times as the finest and most efficient use of the valuable timbers. Veneer is produced as a thin layer of timber that is uniform in thickness. The veneer is normally between 0.5 and 0.85mm thick. Timber veneer is from a natural and renewable resource competing with non-renewable commodities like steel, aluminium and plastics. The surface coverage of veneer is approximately 40 times more than 25mm timber, which makes it the most economical way of utilizing precious wood. 1 cubic metre of log produces around 1,000 sqm of real timber in veneer form. No other form of wood working material results in such an efficient use with minimal wastage.

Veneer is produced by slicing or peeling of logs. It is sliced at approximately 0.6mm or can be peeled at various thicknesses. The most suitable wood for this purpose is walnut. However other species like teak, rose wood, etc. are also used.

The logs to be used for this purpose are kept in wet storage to avoid end splitting and are softened by heating with hot water or steam and the bark is removed. The log is then cut to veneers.

TYPES OF VENEER

Several cut methods are used to create various wood grain patterns. The most commonly produced grains are: Crown, Quarter, and Rotary. However, other cuts exist and highlight specific features such as Birdseye, Quiltes, Pommele or Burl/Burr. Different ways of slicing wood to get veneers are as follows:

Rotary cut: The log is cantered on a lathe and turned against a broad cutting knife set into the log at a slight distance.

Quarter slicing: The slicing is made perpendicular to the annual growth rings of the tree. This creates a straight grain appearance.

Lengthwise slicing: This is done from a board of flat sawn lumber rather than from a log. A variegated figure is created with this slice.

Plain slicing: By slicing parallel to the centre of the log, a raised "cathedral effect" is formed by the innermost growth rings.

Half round slicing: Sliced on an arc parallel to the centre of the log, this cut achieves a flat-cut veneer appearance.

Rift cut: This straight grain cut is derived by slicing red and white oak at a slight angle to minimize the irregularities in the wood.