maple wood

     

Description: Generally straight-grained but often with wavy or curly grain and very intricate, filigree-like drawings. The European maple wood has a lighter color than its American cousin and lacks the yellowish tones of the later. It possesses an innate shining and makes a great presence when stained with a color light enough not to hide the wood's natural drawing.

Mechanical Properties: It is slightly softer than the sugar maple but with a greater shock and decay resistance. In this regard, it closely resembles the western maple. It has good dimensional stability and does not impart taste or odor to the food it comes in contact with.

Working Properties: Works and machines very well but is predisposed to burning marks. Sands and polishes to a very smooth surface. Moderate blunting effect on cutters, but can be worked fairly well with hand or power tools.

Seasoning: Dries rapidly with little degradation. Small movement.

Uses: Maple is used extensively in sporting goods, Violin, net high-class joinery, plywood, paneling and veneer.