Maple species identification needed

[Odie]

I have a past customer who is asking me to identify the species of maple in this bowl.

I don't have any other info, other than it was purchased from a wood dealer in Oregon.....this doesn't mean the wood came from there.

Any thoughts appreciated......thanks

ko

 

[robo hippy]

Odie,
That is typical color for Big Leaf Maple, which is a native species out here. That figure is one of the many variations as well. It is not a hard wood, say similar to silver maple. We do have other maples out here, but the big seller is the Big Leaf. They can get 5 plus feet in diameter, but by the time they get to that size, the inside is mostly rotten. The wet weather is great for composting trees. One of these on the ground might last 2 years and still have some usable wood inside.

robo hippy

 

[hockenbery]

I have a past customer who is asking me to identify the species of maple in this bowl. I don't have any other info, other than it was purchased from a wood dealer in Oregon.....this doesn't mean the wood came from there. Any thoughts appreciated......thanks ko

Kelly,
Unless you still have a piece of the wood you won't be able to identify it precisely.
The best you are going to be able to say is that it is probably this or that.

If you have a piece of the wood you can use Hoadley's book and compare the end grain cell structure and likely make a positive identification.

Al

 

[Odie]

OK, thanks Robo and Al......

I roughed that bowl a couple years ago, so the corner pieces are long gone by now.

My customer has been informed that it's likely Big Leaf Maple.....with no guarantees.

ko