Acer (maple) genus — This image shows the example species Acer saccharum, commonly known as hard maple or sugar maple, which is characterized by its moderate density and strength, making it one of the hardest and heaviest species in the maple genus. | https://www.wood-database.com/wp-content/uploads/acer-saccharum-225x450.jpg
Specimen #393
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Acer (maple) genus — Identification, Uses and Properties

Acer Sapindaceae

Graded by NHLA rules for North American species.

Highly valued for decorative figured patterns in electric guitar tops and specialty woodworking; also used for maple syrup production.

HARDWOOD ASIA, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Botanical Name(s)

Acer, Acer spp.

Family

Sapindaceae

Wood type

Hardwood

Local Names

Maple (United States), Sycamore (United Kingdom), Érable (France), Ahorn (Germany)

Origin Region

Asia, Europe, North America

Main End Uses

Musical instruments · Hardwood flooring · Baseball bats · Bowling pins · Furniture · Veneer · Butcher blocks · Cabinetry · Turnery

Wood Identification Guide

Reference Colour

Creamy white to light reddish brown

Texture

Fine, uniform texture

Grain

Generally straight, but frequently figured with curly, quilted, or birdseye patterns

Sapwood

Wide, creamy white to gray-white, often the primary commercial part of the wood

Interlocked Grain

Occasionally wavy or interlocked

Notes

Diffuse-porous; small to medium pores; narrow to medium rays; distinctive ray fleck on quartersawn surfaces; identified by pale color and frequent figured patterns.

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Log Description

Diameter

60 - 100 cm

Sapwood Thickness

7 - 12 cm

Buoyancy

Floats

Diameter

23.6-39.4 in

Sapwood Thickness

2.8-4.7 in

Physical & Mechanical Properties

Density

0.63 g/cm³ @ 12% MC

Density

39.3 lb/ft³

Monnin Hardness

825

Janka Hardness

825 lbf

Janka Hardness

3,670 N

Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient

0.52 % / %

Tangential Shrinkage

9.2 %

Radial Shrinkage

4.5 %

T/R Anisotropy Ratio

2.1

Fibre Saturation Point

28 %

Thermal Conductivity

0.16 W/m·K

Thermal Conductivity

0.092 BTU/(h·ft·°F)

Crushing Strength

52 MPa

Crushing Strength

7,542 psi

Bending Strength (MOR)

103 MPa

Bending Strength (MOR)

14,939 psi

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)

12,600 MPa

Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)

1,827,475 psi

Durability & Treatment

Resistance to Decay

Non-durable to perishable

Dry Wood Borers

Susceptible

Termites

Susceptible

Treatability

Moderately resistant

Use Class

Class 5

Preservation Requirements

Against Dry Wood Borers

Susceptible; requires treatment

Notes

Low natural durability; heartwood is vulnerable to decay and insect attack; sapwood is commonly used but highly perishable.

Drying Schedule & Risks

Drying Rate

Slow to moderate

Risk Distortion

Moderate

Risk Case Hardening

Low to moderate

Risk Checking

Low

Risk Collapse

Low

Suggested Schedule

T8-C3

Sawing & Machining

Blunting Effect

Low to moderate

Tooth For Sawing

Standard carbide-tipped

Machining Tools

Standard high-speed steel or carbide

Suitability Peeling

Good

Suitability Slicing

Excellent

Notes

Exhibits good machining properties; may burn with high-speed cutters if feed is too slow; figured wood requires sharp tools to avoid tearout.

Assembling & Finishing

Nailing Screwing

Good; pre-boring recommended for hard species

Fire Safety & Ratings

French Grading Thick Gt14mm

M3

French Grading Thick Lt14mm

M4

Euroclass

D-s2, d0

Commercial Grading

NHLA Grades

FAS Select No. 1 Common No. 2 Common

CITES & Trade Restrictions

CITES Status

Unlisted
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