Birdseye Maple
One of the most rewarding elements of working with exotic wood is its visual and textural variety. When focusing on one, such as Birdseye maple, I do my very best to emphasize the characteristics that are specific and unique to it alone. To that end, I will weave my story based on personal research and experience that best accomplishes that objective. Now, let's delve into the particulars that include its background, history, distinctiveness, and uses.
With a name like birdseye maple you just have to imagine that something about it must relate to a bird's eye. In terms of its appearance, that is exactly the case. I have been unable to determine when the first reference occurred, but the name has been widely accepted. The samples I have worked with and photographs I have reviewed, reveal these elements scattered throughout the grain pattern and have a striking resemblance to the tiny eyes of a bird. The birdseye character also includes a luster, or sheen, that is appealing to the eye of the beholder, I have observed these patterns to vary in density throughout the wood with a typical diameter of one to three millimeters.
What causes the birdseye effect? Theories abound, but I have not uncovered an authority that convinces me that the cause has been determined with certainty. Speculation includes the work of woodpeckers, infection, heredity, or growing conditions, among others. The fact that this variety of maple is so rare and valuable as an exotic wood, leads me to believe that if the cause were known, tree farms would be duplicating the cause for their own enrichment. Still, it is an interesting mystery to ponder. Research is ongoing and I will leave it to you to contemplate.
The birdseye effect is found in other wood species as well. Birch, ash, and walnut are a few examples. The maple seems to reign supreme however in its appeal to artisans and consumers of exotic wood. The sugar maple, Acer saccharum, is the most predominant species producing the effect. The species is found commonly in the eastern regions of North America. While maples can grow to 150 feet tall, it takes several human generations to achieve that height considering a ten-year old tree is typically 15 to 20 feet.
Considerations for the artisan working with and consumers enjoying maple include its color, density, durability, and grain patterns. It is a medium dense wood with a specific gravity of .72 to .75. To compare, a softer wood like Douglas fir is .530 and a harder wood such as ebony ranges from .95 to 1.1. Sugar maple is considered a hard wood and abrasion resistant. This characteristic is considered desirable in the finished item crafted but requires sharp tools to cut cleanly in the crafting process. The color of the heartwood, center region of the tree, is a pale brown or tan. The sap wood, outer region, is a lighter color of near white with a red hue. Overall grain patterns vary from straight to graceful curves that are defined by the darker colors streaking through the lighter parts of the wood. I recommend viewing a photograph of birdseye maple to better understand the interplay of maple grain and the birdseye effect.
Birdseye maple is a splendid choice of exotic wood for the artisan and ultimate consumer of luxury wood products. Some example of its use include fine furniture, musical instruments, and luxury writing instruments. Consider the interesting background, history, distinct character, and uses of this option to determine if it is right for you.
Author: Tom Herzer
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