Identify this material

[Dan Blankenberg]

Afternoon All!
What would you call this figure that we see in maple so often? It’s not really spalted or ambrosia. What is it?

Thanks!

 

[Isaac Fisher]

Not a type of figured grain. They’re mineral deposits pulled up through the trunk of the tree. Often lots of silica, usually very hard on cutting edges, but worthwhile if you’re willing to stop and sharpen frequently.

 

[Michael Lyle]

Is this a piece of Hard Maple??? I am in Washington state and have never seen this figure in
big leaf..... and any other Maple that I have turned.
Because I have not seen it means nothing .... but i have seen a lot of west coast maple .

 

[Dan Blankenberg]

Is this a piece of Hard Maple??? I am in Washington state and have never seen this figure in
big leaf..... and any other Maple that I have turned.
Because I have not seen it means nothing .... but i have seen a lot of west coast maple .

This is from a Norway maple.

 

[robo hippy]

I have seen this coloring pattern in a number of woods. The only thing they had in common was that they were starting to die. I am guessing mineral deposits of some sort. For sure, they do not follow the growth rings.

robo hippy

 

[John K Jordan]

What would you call this figure that we see in maple so often?

I’ve had maple from our area and from all over but this is the first I’ve seen that effect. The oil (I assume) applied certainly makes it pop.

JKJ

 

[Michael Lyle]

Robo. Have you seen this wood affliction in west coast maples.

 

[Kirk Amidon]

This figure is quite common in the Maple I've turned up here in Mass. Not sure what to call it, but it sure does make for great looking bowls and turnings. Can't say that I've noticed it being any more or less hard on tools than regular maple, FWIW.

 

[Dan Blankenberg]

This figure is quite common in the Maple I've turned up here in Mass. Not sure what to call it, but it sure does make for great looking bowls and turnings. Can't say that I've noticed it being any more or less hard on tools than regular maple, FWIW.

I run into this allot here in western New York. Never really knew what to call it. I notice no real difference in tool edge when I get into it.

 

[Matt hale]

Have the same stuff in big leaf maple here.

 

[Leo Van Der Loo]

I think it is a fungus, just grown like that, sure will look good I think if turned smooth an then finished.

Do these spots get darker or more intense with an oil over/in it ??.

I have turned some Norway Maple but never got this kind of figure, finish it and show us the outcome please !

Here is one I turned where the whole log had this intense dark heart.

 

[robo hippy]

Robo. Have you seen this wood affliction in west coast maples.

I have seen this around here, but don't remember specifically which trees. It seems like there were several different species.

robo hippy