Veneer Cutting Tools

Craft Knife

• A craft knife is available in most hardware stores and has a sharp, retractable blade for cutting. The craft knife is used along with a straightedge by dragging the blade across the surface of the veneer. Potential problems arising from cutting veneer with a craft knife include ripping or crosscutting, both of which can split the veneer.

Veneer Saw

• A veneer saw is specifically designed for cutting veneer and has a curved blade that has thin, sharp teeth on one side of the blade. The blade is designed to slice the fibers of the veneer during cutting. A veneer saw should be used in conjunction with a straightedge and with proper vertical force drug across the surface of the veneer. Several pulls across the veneer may be required. In addition, like the craft knife, a veneer saw can also lead to ripping or crosscutting of the veneer.

Rotary Cutter

• A rotary cutter is a tool originally designed for cutting fabric but also works well on veneers because of the extremely sharp blade and ability to adjust the tension for varying thicknesses. A rotary cutter is used in the same manner as the veneer saw or craft knife but does not require the same amount of vertical pressure due to its rotary-style design. It can also be used free hand or with a straightedge, depending upon the type of cut.