The direction in which veneers are cut is the determining factor in producing the various grain effects.

Flat Cut or Slicing

One half of a log or flitch is mounted, heart-side against the flitch table of the slicer. Cuts are made parallel to a line through the log center, producing a variegated pattern.

Quarter Cut or Slicing

A quarter of the log is mounted to the flitch table so the knife strikes the growth rings of the log at approximately right angles to produce a series of stripes, straight in some woods, varied in others.

Rift-Cut

Mostly used in oak, the rift-cut is used to produce a comb effect. In this wood a series of ray cells (medullary) radiate from the center of the log like spokes from a wheel. The rift effect is obtained by cutting at about 15 degrees from the quarted position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays.

Rotary Cutting

Mounted centrally in a lathe, the log is turned against a razor sharp blade in a tight inward spiral, following the log's annual rings. A bold variegated grain is produced in an exceptionally wide veneer.