curly maple

Names and distribution:

In Germany, the name ‘Ahorn’ refers – without any special addition – to the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus). It is widespread throughout Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. Scotland and Bosnia are particularly prized growing areas. In addition to sycamore maple, Norway maple and field maple are also found in Germany and are used commercially, albeit to a much lesser extent. Both species differ in trunk shape and color of the wood.

Wooden picture:

All woods of the genus Acer are characterized by a strikingly uniform structure, a predominantly fine pore structure, an almost white to light brownish or pale reddish colouring. The late wood zones of sycamore maple are yellowish brown, which distinguishes it from Canadian maple, which tends towards reddish. Norway maple and field maple are usually more colorful, i.e. grey-brownish or even pinkish-grey, and are therefore often heavily steamed to even out color differences. The wood of sycamore maple is comparable to beech in terms of density, just as plain and with a straight grain. Decorative precious wood. Traditionally, figured sycamore maple is one of the most highly prized types of wood in Europe.

Properties:

The specific weight is given as approx. 0.68 ^t/m3 at a wood moisture content of 12%. Sycamore maple is processed and dried quickly to avoid discoloration. The shrinkage of sap-fresh wood to u=12% is specified as 2.5% radial and 5.5% tangential. The dimensional stability of maple is good to satisfactory, the wood is below oak but above beech. Maple is easy to work with all tools; smooth surfaces are produced. E-modulus varies between 9,400 – 11,400 ^N/mm2. The Brinell hardness is given as 27. Wood is sensitive to fungi and is not durable.

Use:

Furniture making, parquet flooring, turnery, instrument making, veneers

References: