Lathe check characteristics of fast growing sengon veneers and their effect on LVL glue-bond and bending strength

Abstract

Fast growing sengon (Paraserianthes moluccana) is largely rotary-cut to produce veneer for core plywood production. In order to provide better information on veneer production and utilization, in this study the effects of wood juvenility and veneer thickness on lathe checks of rotary-cut sengon veneers were evaluated. Before veneer manufacturing, sengon logs were boiled at 50 °C and 75 °C for 4 and 8 h, respectively. The boiled logs were peeled to produce veneer of 1,1.5, and 2 mm in thickness. Lathe checks of veneers were measured on the loosed side at every 5 mm veneer length under an optical video microscope and their frequency, depth, and length were characterized. Twenty sampling points..