From Tree to Panel: The Process of Creating Timber Veneers

1. Selecting and Preparing the Log

The journey begins with choosing the right log, often referred to as a "peeler." These logs are typically straight and of substantial diameter to ensure quality veneers. Once selected, the log undergoes debarking, where the outer bark is carefully removed without damaging the wood beneath. This is achieved using specialised machinery designed to strip the bark evenly.

2. Softening the Wood

To make the wood pliable for slicing, the log is softened by increasing its moisture content. This is usually done by soaking the log in hot water or exposing it to steam, a process that can last from several hours to a few days, depending on the wood species and its density. Softening ensures that the wood can be sliced thinly without tearing.

3. Slicing the Veneer

With the log adequately softened, it's time to slice it into veneers. There are several methods to achieve this, each producing a distinct grain pattern:

• Rotary Cutting: The log is mounted centrally and rotated against a stationary blade, peeling off a continuous sheet, much like unwinding a roll of paper. This method yields wide sheets with bold, open-grain patterns.
• Flat Slicing (Crown Cut): The log is cut in half lengthwise, and the flat face is sliced parallel to a line through its centre. This produces a distinctive grain pattern with a central cathedral effect.
• Quarter Slicing: The log is quartered, and each quarter is sliced perpendicular to the growth rings, resulting in a straight grain pattern.

4. Drying the Veneers

After slicing, the freshly cut veneers contain high moisture content and need to be dried to prevent warping or mould growth. They are passed through large dryers that carefully reduce their moisture content to the desired level, ensuring the sheets remain flat and stable.

5. Trimming and Assembling

Once dried, the veneers are clipped to remove any irregular edges and trimmed to uniform sizes. Depending on the desired final product, individual sheets can be joined edge-to-edge using adhesives to create larger panels. This assembly process allows for the creation of extensive, continuous surfaces ideal for furniture and interior finishes.

6. Final Touches

The assembled veneer sheets undergo final inspections and are often sanded to achieve a smooth surface. They are then ready to be bonded onto substrates like plywood, particleboard, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF), resulting in finished panels used in various applications, from cabinetry to architectural detailing.

From the careful selection of logs to the precise slicing and finishing techniques, the art of creating timber veneers is a testament to craftsmanship and an appreciation for the natural beauty of wood.