Trade Names
Birdseye Maple, Curly Maple, Fiddleback Maple, Northern Maple, Rock Maple, Sugar Maple, Black Maple
Similar woods
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Origin
Northern parts of North America
Range
Special form of Hard Maple (Sugar Maple) in which the so-called Birdseye form around the log due to “sleeping bud growth”. This shows as small dots in the wood. There are many theories on the cause of the Birds eye but none of these could be proved conclusively up to now:
• parasite fungi which cause an irregularity in the cambium;
• Birdseye develop when the tree grows on barren and rocky ground or under tension;
• genetic causes.
Uses
High quality architectural woodwork, high quality furniture. For price reasons often copied by fineline veneers (artificial Birdseye Maple). At the present time it is fashionable to color-stain or dye Birdseye Maple in all thinkable colors (chemical treatment not permitted in Germany due to waste water contamination).
Properties
Often slight changes in color within one log from a yellowish white on the outside to reddish in the heart of the log. In addition frequently occurring black patches and brown “sugar patches”.
Trunks over 2,70 m long are rare due to their small dimensions.
Machining
Smooth surfaces can be produced by using carbide-tipped tools and adjusted feed speeds. The same applies to molding. The burn risk has to be considered.
Seasoning
Drying must be carried out very slowly and carefully to prevent checking and warping.
Finishing
Birdseye Maple is particularly suitable for staining and producing lustrous surfaces.
Jointing
Glue joints hold well. Screw joints should be pre-drilled.