The Cuts Used to Create Veneer

Rotary Cut The log is centered on a lathe and turned against a broad cutting knife set into the log at a slight angle.
Quarter Slicing The slicing is made perpendictular 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 center of the log, a raised "cathedral effect" is formed by the innermost growth rings
Half-Round Slicing Sliced on an arc parallel to the center 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.