Dyed Curly Maple (Box Elder or Silver Maple)
Acer negundo / Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- North America
- Hardness
- 720 lbf (Soft) to 950 lbf (Medium) - hardness increased via resin stabilization
- Durability
- Non-durable; very susceptible to decay unless stabilized with polymers as seen here
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Grain Pattern
Strong curly (fiddleback) figure with wavy, undulating grain lines visible under the dye
Color & Appearance
Artificially dyed green through the stabilization process; natural wood underneath is light cream to yellowish-brown with medium luster
Hardness (Janka)
720 lbf (Soft) to 950 lbf (Medium) - hardness increased via resin stabilization
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay unless stabilized with polymers as seen here
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $25.00 per individual turning blank (approx. $100+ per board foot equivalent)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Contemporary; recently processed, kiln-dried, and stabilized for craft use (less than 5 years since processing)
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed; classified as Least Concern by IUCN; widely available and sustainable
Common Uses
Knife handles, pen blanks, woodturning, pool cues, and small decorative craft items
Geographic Origin
North America
Workability
Excellent with sharp tools; takes a high polish; stabilization prevents the typical tearout associated with curly grain
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish, high-speed buffing with carnauba wax, or lacquer for high gloss
Notable Features
Dyed and stabilized with resin (likely MMA or Cactus Juice) to improve density and aesthetics; chatoyance is enhanced by the dye
