40 no interference is presented as the shear plate 40 approaches that position in its translational arc which completes the passage of the shear knives past the bed knives cam plate 51 on the shear plate 40 engages the cam follower arm 52 to close limit switch 53 such switch 53 closure initiates the retraction of shuttle motor 43 to withdraw the shuttle and veneer strip secured thereto from the abutting position with the spacer buttons 46 and 47 thereby permitting the shear plate 40 to continue its translation down below table level as the cam plate 51 moves past the follower arm 52 limit switch 53 reopens to initiate extension of the shuttle motor 43 thereby moving the shuttle carriage 20 to the right again with the spacer buttons 46 and 47 now removed along with the structure of the entire shear plate 40 assembly the shuttle carries the reciprocating bed knife 21 edge into abutment with the cutting edge of fixed bed knife 14 this position also abuts the newly cut edges of the respective veneer strips with the parallel cut veneer strip edges in abutting position the desired heat cured lap splice material is positioned over the butt joint it being understood that the strips were positioned facedown on the table 11 hence the lap splice is laid against the veneer strip backside several alternative material systems are available for the splice such as fiberglass cloth or matt preimpregnated with epoxy or polyester resin another system is.