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Big Leaf Maple (Spalted Figure)
Spalted Maple figuring is recognizable by light and dark patches in the wood, separated by black winding streaks. The unique coloration of spalted maple is caused by pigmentation fungi either bleaching or staining the patches of the wood they affect. The long, winding outlines around these patches are known as "zone lines", and represent barriers that the fungi have erected to protect their resources. Pigmentation fungi do not degrade the wood cell wall, so their primary effect on the host tree is aesthetic. It takes a long time for the natural processes that result in spalting to take place, but the finished appearance exhibits a dramatic effect that is sought after by woodworkers. Note: Wood pieces with very heavy spalting require a high degree of skill to work with, but can produce amazing results. You can see our selection of these pieces in our Extreme Spalt Maple product category. Our wood is harvested from natural forests, and has not been kiln dried. The products below are sold with no guarantee of moisture content.
Big Leaf Maple (Spalted Figure) Product CatalogSend us an email or call (800) 556-3106 with any questions or to request more specific photos of a piece.
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Woodturning Bowl Blanks| Details | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5x5x2" | $9.00 | ||
| 6x6x2" | $13.00 | ||
| 5x5x3" | $14.00 | ||
| 2x2x12" | $15.00 | ||
| 5x5x4" | $18.00 | ||
| 6x6x3" | $19.00 | ||
| 6x6x3" Practice Blanks (no figure) - 4 pack | $20.00 | ||
| 8x8x2" | $20.00 | ||
| 3x3x12" | $25.00 | ||
| 6x6x4" | $25.00 | ||
| 10x10x2" | $30.00 | ||
| 8x8x3" | $30.00 | ||
| 6x6x3" Practice Blanks (no figure) - 8 pack | $34.00 | ||
| 4x4x12" | $35.00 | ||
| 12x12x2" | $35.00 | ||
| 10x10x3" | $45.00 | ||
| 8x8x4" | $45.00 | ||
| 5x5x12" | $50.00 | ||
| 10x10x4" | $60.00 | ||
| 12x12x3" | $60.00 | ||
| 12x12x4" | $80.00 |
Woodturning Pen Blanks
| Details | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1x1x6" | $1.50 | ||
| Pen blanks : One dozen pen blanks. Approx. 1"x1"x6" size per blank. | $15.00 | ||
| 6x6x3" Practice Blanks (no figure) - 4 pack | $20.00 | ||
| 6x6x3" Practice Blanks (no figure) - 8 pack | $34.00 |
Spalted maple textures are unique among figured wood. Usually, figuring is present in the grain patterns and knotholes that occur naturally in wood; however, with spalting, the distinct coloration and dark lines are caused by foreign matter that are introduced by fungi.
This natural process that results in spalted wood involves wood decay over time, as well as a deepening of the original coloration. The fungi producing these changes are unrelated to mold or mildew, which are an entirely different type of decay (offering no aesthetic benefits.) Trees which have been affected by spalt are often still standing upright, with their bark still present.
For best results, we recommend using spalted wood for woodturning projects on a lathe. The appearance of turned bowls, pens, vases, or other objects using spalted maple is dramatic in its high contrast and visual appeal. We do recommend using extra care when working with wood that has been affected by spalt, since there may be patches of softer or firmer texture as a result of varying degrees of decay.
Spalted maple is particularly suitable for guitars and other musical instruments. Craftsmen use figured wood billets to produce all types of acoustic and electric guitars, to great success. Spalted wood is suitable for the body and neck of an instrument, and contribute great musical and artistic quality.
Spalting can be introduced artificially through various methods, but all of our spalted wood blocks have developed their appearance through the natural course of their host environment. All our wood is harvested from our own renewable forest, and you are welcome to contact us with any specific questions.
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