AMERICAN SOFT MAPLE: G
As its name describes it is a softer timber compared to Hard Maple. We do not select free from colour, so colour and brown streaks in the grain should all be accepted as typical of this species.

Production: S/E.

Acer saccharum
Family: Aceraceae

Commercial names: Red Maple, Silver Maple, (Canada and USA), Soft Maple, Pacific Maple, (UK); White Maple (sapwood) USA.

Distribution: Canada and Eastern USA.

General description: Creamy white and straight grained. It is less lustrous than hard maple and the growth rings are cmparitively indistinct. The rays are narrower and less conspicuous but with flecks more frequently present. Weight average about 550kg/m3 (34 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.54.

Mechanical properties: Minimum bending and crushing strengths, low stiffness and rsistance to shock loads. It is good for steam bending.

Seasoning: Dries slowly with little degrade or problems. There is small movement in service.

Working properties: Soft maple can be worked satisfactorily with hand and machine tools although it has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Nailing is satisfactory with care; gluing results maybe variable. Can be stained and polished to an excellent finish.

Durability: The heartwood is non-durable and is liable to attack by insects. It is moderately resistant to preservative treatment but the sapwood is pereable.

Uses: Soft maple is used for domestic flooring, furniture, interior joinery, piano actions, diary and laundry equipment, sports goods, turnery, panelling, etc. Selected logs are rotary cut for plywood manufacture in Canada and USA and highly figured decorative veneering.

JBT Comments: This is not a popular timber in the UK mainly due to the numerous brown pith flecks which ocurr running with the grain. However with some intensive finishing this inexpensive timber can be used to stunning effect. Brown heart is not classed as a defect.

Grade: Export grade 80% FAS 20% IF or better..

Specification: Square edge 8ft and longer. 5ins and wider allowing up to 10% 6ft/7ft and/or 4ins.

Stockholding:Available to order, normally 4/6weeks.