Abstract: A veneer manufacturing process comprising placing a log within a work station, the work station having chucks at either end thereof for releasably engaging respectively ends of the log such that the log is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, and then rotating the log about its axis such that the rotating log may be brought into engagement with a blade system, The blade system extends along the entire length of the work station and engages the log during rotating thereof such that a thin continuous layer of timber of uniform thickness is cut therefrom as the log rotates, The blade system includes retractable end sections that may be retracted prior to the blade system striking the chuck, thus allowing a central blade section to continue engagement with the log to a diameter less than the diameter of the chucks.