Sycamore’s relatively light color also provides a nice contrast for the dye used to differentiate the checkerboard squares. Sycamore is a hardwood and as such produces a moderate amount of heat. This article is from Issue 92 of Woodcraft Magazine. This tree possesses all the characteristics ne… Along with its distinctive flecked appearance, I like that it is a native species, isn’t remotely endangered, and is relatively inexpensive. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The sapwood is white to light yellow, while the heartwood is light-to-dark brown. Although few woodworkers become acquainted with the … The sycamore A list and an appointment will save you a significant amount of time. With over 100 species of domestic and exotic hardwood lumber in stock, Hearne Hardwoods is one of the largest specialty lumberyards in the world. … Fleckin’ beautiful. It's fine and even textured, and quite … Old sycamore trees frequently were hollow, providing a handy frontier stable for settlers' livestock. It’s also very uncommon and it always makes a statement. American Sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, is a member of the Platanaceae family. Sycamore wood has a wide and twisting grain structure and is commonly used to manufacture decorative goods. It contrasts well with other species. The sycamore of the Bible is better termed sycamore fig (Ficus sycamorus; see also fig), notable for its use by ancient Egyptians to make mummy cases. 1.610.932.3130 / Fax, Monday-Friday / 8am-5pm EST It has been called the 'Ghost tree of the forest' due to the unique appearance of its bark. For years it was used as a secondary wood—for drawer sides, web frames, etc.—if it was processed into furniture-grade lumber at all. As of this writing, American sycamore is not listed in the CITES Appendices, indicating that the current population is not under threat. It is used for furniture in small lumber pieces as the wood is not very strong. The wood is milled into thin narrow layers and the bark into strips to make woven baskets and other decorative objects. Likewise the American sycamore provides food for many species of moths, leafhoppers, and other insects — who, though they may be damaging in some instances, are frequently also decomposers and pollinators. Sycamore firewood should only be used when the temperature is not extremely low. Among the largest trees in the eastern United States, sycamores typically grow over 100 feet tall and 3-8 feet in diameter. Often, the wood has served more humbly for items such as pallets, which don’t require. The bark of all trees has to yield to a growing trunk by stretching, splitting, or infilling. You know you are near water when you a see a group of sycamores. Saturday / 8am-4pm EST 1.610.932.7400 / Int’l & Local It has a distinct modular ray that reveals its fleck in the quarter-sawing process, and unlike the more … The wood has a fine, close texture with interlocked grain. Sycamore "Somewhat durable and simlar in weight to mahogany. In order to be stable the wood must be quartersawn. The American sycamore’s leafs and round seeds were reminiscent of the Sycomore Fig, thus it was called Sycamore. Its sapwood runs creamy-white to tan, while its heartwood is a darker reddish brown. Note the distinctive color difference between the sycamore’s sapwood and heartwood. With their distinctive scaly, pale gray/greenish bark, sycamores can loom ghostly, particularly when naked in wintertime. Sycamore can also be … Be aware that because sycamore has little to no rot resistance and is very susceptible to insect attack, it’s a poor choice for outdoor projects. Sunday / Closed, View Our Products Many of the slabs are stored in locations that are very time consuming to access. 1.888.814.0007 / Toll Free (USA) Inspect and flex suspicious boards to make sure they won’t snap or split during machining or afterwards in use. It does … They prefer uncrowded conditions, and frequently line stream and riverbanks. Known as one of the Bible woods, Sycamore works easily with both hand and machine tools. In the United States it refers especially to the American plane tree (Platanus occidentalis). Monday-Friday / 8am-5pm EST Note that, in addition to occidentalis, there are five other species of sycamore in the country, including Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii) and California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), which you may stumble across regionally. I use a lot of quartersawn sycamore in my work. Sycamore, any of several distinct trees. Individual … Next time, I intend to raise the grain several times before adding color. 10% OFF + FREE SHIPPING* ON POWERMATIC DUST COLLECTION. Sycamore The hardwood giant of the virgin forest. The tree loves moist areas. One reason is that plainsawn sycamore doesn’t dry well, twisting and bowing significantly unless preventative measures are taken. However, as a softer hardwood, it does seem to soak up finish and may require more coats than usual. Noteworthy Characteristics. Large oblong sheets of green and brown material … In that case, try planing diagonally to the grain or use a sharp scraper instead. The sycamore has a smoothe, polished trunk and branch wood… For years it was used as a secondary wood—for drawer sides, web frames, etc.—if it was processed into furniture … American sycamore is susceptible to Plane anthracnose disease ( Apiognomonia veneta , syn. Contact Us It produces slightly less than oak or ash trees. On the plus side, that characteristic also makes it spalt easily, creating attractive black fungus lines that can play well in cabinet doors and other panels. * on POWERMATIC DUST COLLECTION is comparable to varieties such as pallets, which don ’ t snap or during! Much more to soak up finish and may require more coats than usual known as one of the family... 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