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It is seldom that logs yield all the desired veneer in whole sizes. Generally 50% is whole, while the remainder is in halves, thirds or quarters. Whole veneers are clipped to pre-determined sizes and squared after drying by a guillotine like machine. Fractional sizes are also clipped to ensure that their edges are straight prior to jointing. Defective veneer is also removed at the clipper.
Narrow pieces of veneer are built up into whole sheets by machining the edge, and then adhesive or adhesive tape is applied. Dried and clipped veneer sheets are sorted visually or by computer into face and core veneer. The face veneers may be further subdivided into four or five appearance grades. Those core veneers which are to have adhesive applied may also be separated out. Veneers showing defects may be repaired to improve their grade. Some manufactures punch out unsound or large knots, replacing them with fitting plugs of the same species.