Analysis on Wood Quality, Geometry Factor, and Their Effects on Lathe Check of Samama (Anthocephalus macrophyllus) Veneer

Relatively little information is available regarding the correlation between wood and veneer quality, especially for Samama wood, an endemic wood species in eastern Indonesia. This study addresses the quality of 8 years old Samama wood and its effect on the veneer quality. Samama wood quality was determined by evaluating its specific gravity, moisture content, fiber dimensions, and microfibril angle from pith toward bark. Meanwhile, veneer quality was assessed by examining veneer thickness and lathe check characteristics. Geometry factor model was constructed to elaborate the quantities of lathe check from pith toward bark. Results show that fair variations of veneer thickness, ranging from 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm, could be obtained from Samama wood. The quantity, depth, and length of lathe check were noticeably decreasing toward bark. Further, in the same manufacturing process, geometry factor was determined as the dominant factor over other wood properties in affecting the frequency of lathe checks from pith towards bark. These facts should be put into consideration in producing veneer from Samama wood. Moreover, these results enlighten the potential of Samama wood as plywood and other excellent veneer-based products.