Got some wood from Mich State Univ to turn some bowls for the Presidents office for the upcoming "capital" drive. The grounds people thought this piece was a Norway Maple. (stored in an area with lots of cut wood that they eventually want to mill and sell, or commission people to make things).
Not sure it should be this pretty. I could see tiger stripes when I chain sawed it up, and tonite I started the first half of a small deep barked vessel. Gorgeous stripes. There had been no tendency to split at the pith even after the long log has sat for a while on campus. I am hoping for beautiful wood. Need to be sure Of the ID. Sent this pic tonite to the head of grounds dept too. I have no other info (leaves, "seeds', etc) Google said it was a light wood with a non distinctive pale heartwood.
The other wood in front of it is ash (boring), a piece of white oak and a piece or 2 of white mulberry. The pres office wanted something from the Beal gardens (none available) or from around the street where the admin bldg is. My choices were limited. The Norway maple is from the new art center and since it is a show piece bldg I am hoping this maple would "work" for them. It works for me!!!!! Gretch
