European Maple Wood
Description :
The heartwood is creamy-white when freshly cut, but ages to a light tan. The grain is usually straight, but can be wavy or curly, and has a smooth, fine texture. The has a high natural lustre, especially on quartered surfaces. The sapwood is not normally distinct from the heartwood.
Properties :
The wood has low resistance to shock loads and low stifffiess, with medium crushing and strengths. Euro maple steam-bends well. It works well and easily with both hand and machine but has a moderate blunting effect On cutting edges. When machine- planing wavy or curly stock, a reduced cutting angle is advised, and pre-boring is recommended for nailing. The wood stains and glues well, turns particularly Well, and can be brought to an excellent polished finish.
Seasoning :
It dries slowly with little degrade, but there can be problems with staining. Rapid but careful kiln-drying is advised if the natural whitish colour is to be preserved. There is only small movement in service.
Durability :
The heartwood is non-durable and can subject to attack by fungi and other wood-destroying organisms. The sapwood is susæptible to attack from the common furniture beetle. The is permeable for preservative treatment, but the heartwood is resistant.
Typical Uses :
It is used for turnery, furniture and interior joinery, brush backs and woodenware. Selected is sliced to make very decorative veneers, and it can also be treated with chemicals to produce grey harewood, which is used for veneers and marquetry.
