Whats is rotary cut ,plain sliced ,rift cut and quarter sliced

There are  four common cutting methods for wood veneer.

the wood log timer are proccessed by different cut methods due to different log species , veneer usage and fundtion 

Here are the detal explanation of different cutting methods .

1. ROTARY CUT

Principle: The log is continuously rotated around its axis and cut like sharpening a pencil, producing large continuous sheets of veneer.

Grain characteristics: Wide, continuous wavy or cathedral grain, close to the original log’s annual ring pattern, with the widest grain.

Application: Often used for plywood and decorative panel substrates; high yield and material utilization rate.

2. PLAIN SLICED

Principle: Sliced layer by layer from half a log, tangentially to the annual rings.

Grain characteristics: Typical cathedral (flame) grain, natural and smooth with a full visual effect.

Application: The most common decorative veneer, used in furniture, flooring, wooden doors, etc., with strong aesthetic appeal.

3. RIFT CUT

Principle: Cut at an angle of approximately 30°–60° to the log radius, avoiding the tangential direction of annual rings.

Grain characteristics: Straight, fine vertical grain with almost no cathedral pattern, offering excellent dimensional stability.

Application: High-end furniture and musical instruments (e.g., guitar tops), emphasizing texture and stability.

4. QUARTER SLICED

Principle: The log is first quartered, then sliced vertically toward the center of each section.

Grain characteristics: Regular vertical stripes (tiger stripe / silver grain), uniform, straight, attractive and stable.

Application: High-end decoration, flooring, cabinets, with an elegant and modern appearance.

the following image will clearly show the differnet of four cutting methods 

From left to right are schematic diagrams of the cutting principle and the final grain effect of the veneer: