Distribution: The
most commercially important maple, Sugar maple is also the
most abundant type found in the United States. It is reported
to most prevalent in New England, but its growth range extends
from the extreme southeastern region of Manitoba east to
Nova Scotia, southward to North Canada, and west to eastern
Kansas. It is found locally in northwest South Carolina and
north Georgia. The tree prefers moist soils of uplands and
valleys, and is sometimes found in pure stands. It may also
be found at elevations of up to 2500 feet (762 m) in the
north, and at 3000 to 5500 feet (914-1676 m) in the southern
Appalachians.
General Characteristics: The
official tree of several states including Vermont, Wisconsin,
West Virginia, and New York, Sugar maple grows to a height
of 70 to 120 feet (21 to 37 m), with a diameter of about
24 to 36 inches (60 to 9o cm). The heartwood is uniformly
pale reddish brown or light tan. Bird's-eye maple, a form
of white or sugar maple, usually exhibits two colors, a
whitish background with brownish dots at irregular intervals.
The dots, which are rarely solid, usually have a circular
rim that is of a different color than the center, rather
like an eye. The dots are believed to be the starting-points
of new side branches that may or may not have actually
grown out from the trunk of the tree. The sapwood is white
in color, with a reddish tinge. The wood has a very fine
and even texture; Sugar maple grain is typically straight,
but it can also be curly or wavy. The wood is described
as close-grained and subdued, sometimes with decorative
figuring including, bird's eye, maple burl, blistered,
leaf, and fiddleback. There is no distinct odor or taste.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.68; air-dry density N/A.
Working Properties: The
wood is reported to be fairly difficult to saw. Wood with
irregular grain tends to exert fairly high blunting effect
on cutting tools. The wood is reported to be fairly difficult
to plane. Turning properties are reported to be good. Boring
characteristics are reported to be exceptionally good.
The timber is reported to be relatively easy to shape without
chipping and splintering. The material is reported to have
very good mortising properties. Hard maple is reported
to respond well to carving, and works without tear-outs
or chipping. The wood has satisfactory gluing properties.
The wood is reported to have good nail-holding characteristics,
but very poor nailing properties since it is apt to split.
Pre-boring is recommended, especially in thin stock. Pre-boring
is recommended in screwing operations. The wood is fairly
difficult to sand. Extra care is recommended since sanding
marks are reported to be rather difficult to cover because
of the wood's density and light color. The material is
reported to polish satisfactorily. The timber is reported
to stain satisfactorily but unevenly. The wood is
reported to take paint or enamel very well. The wood is
reported to have fair steam bending characteristics.
Durability: The wood is
reported to have very little natural resistance to attack
by decay causing fungi and insects, but hard maple is rated
as more durable than some of the other maples. Its fire
resistant properties are reported to be higher than the
average timber.
Preservation: The heartwood
is reported to be fairly difficult to treat with chemical
preservatives.
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