Joinery Doorsets

The log is cut in half, and the half log or flitch is then sliced straight across, parallel to a line through the centre of the log and tangential to the growth rings. This generally produces a veneer with a central area of strong figurative grain and a more linear effect at each edge.

The log is cut in quarters, and each quarter flitch is then straight sliced, approximately at right angles to the growth rings. This generally produces a veneer with a relatively uniform linear vertical grain.

The log is mounted centrally in a lathe and sliced around the circumference, following the annual growth rings; this gives a bold variegated grain, and enables very wide leaves to be produced. Continuous rotary slicing is also used for plywood and constructional veneers.

This traditional method of matching is achieved by taking successive leaves of veneer and reversing alternate leaves so as to bring corresponding opposite edges together in a mirrored effect. This produces a symmetrical balanced pattern of grain and figure.

Veneers of the same species, but not necessarily from the same log, are deliberately mixed to produce an overall random grain effect. Butt or end grain jointing may be introduced in some leaves to add to the planking effect.

Successive leaves are taken from the same stock or flitch of veneer and jointed without turning alternate leaves over as in book matching. This produces a repeat pattern which varies gradually across the panel. This method is usually most effective when straight grain veneers are used.