In this feature, Timber Products Company veneer expert Eric Cullen looks at slip match veneers.

Definition

Slip is a matching type that must be specified. It is most often used to minimize the barber-pole effect common with book matching. In slip matching, the leaves of veneer are fed into the splicing machine the same way they come off the slicer or lathe. Slip match usually features the tight side of the veneer facing outward.

When you are using a straight-grain veneer, such as rift, if the grain is not running parallel to the edge of the veneer, the whole sheet can appear as if it were leaning or out of square.

With book match, a cathedral may be created. With slip match, the cathedral cannot be manufactured. Often, when buying plain sliced slip match, we must

BLOG 6 Things to Learn About Book Match Veneer In book match veneer, the most common matching type, alternate leaves of veneer are turned over.

buy B- and better grade rather than A-grade because an A-grade must have a cathedral. With slip match, the grain does not match at the joints. It starts over and repeats.

Use cases

Most use cases are for kitchen cabinet manufacturers who are trying to eliminate or minimize the barber-pole effect. They use slip match primarily for the doors. The use of slip match has increased over the past few years.

Advantages

The advantage of using slip match is that it reflects light and takes finishes more uniformly.

Cutting

Many people confuse matching with cutting methods. Slip match can be rotary cut, plain sliced, rift or quartered veneer. Matching is not determined by the method in which the veneer is cut.

Top Tip

Because they are less common, slip match veneers require extended lead times for ordering.

Most customers assume slip match is always oriented on a tight side out. In fact, it may be loose side out. Many believe that the loose side finishes better than the tight side. This happens because the knife that cuts the veneer has a bevel to it (see graphic). The veneer that goes across the angled part of the knife is under different pressures and stresses than the portion of the log that goes along the vertical part of the knife. The pressure distorts the grain and creates the loose side, which has little checks in the veneer.

If you have questions about slip match veneer, contact your Timber Products Company sales representative.