Abstract:
A method of composing veneer strips to form a continuous band in which proximal edges of adjacent pairs of strips may not be parallel. The strips are moved along a predetermined path and are separated to present gaps therebetween. The gaps are filled with a filler comprised of wood particles coated with a binder so that the mass of particles projects outwardly from at least one side of each gap. The particle mass in each gap is compacted under heat and pressure to the same thickness as the adjacent strips so that the filler is bonded to the edges of the strips. A flash of filler is formed on and is bonded to the surface of each adjacent strip at the edge of the strip to increase the connection between the filler and the strip. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the particle masses are directed into the gaps by suction.