BOTANIC NAME: Acer pseudoplatanus.

COMMON NAMES: Sycamore, Maple.

ORIGIN: Central Europe, Eastern Asia.

DESCRIPTION: Density 640 kg/m3. Sapwood colour ranges from almost white, to a light golden or reddish brown, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. Grain is generally straight, but may be wavy. Has a fine, even texture.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even colour.

DRYING: Allow air dry but can cause spots and colour alterations. It is important to dry it quickly to keep the white colour.

USES: Guitar , backs and sides, bindings and fingerboards.