Replies

1. 
   Curtis | Oct 29, 2004 12:03pm | #1

   Hello

   sycamore is a type of maple. and handles much the same, it easily burn, chips out on the plainer in the high grain areas. But after saying that, I like the woods look, the rays are distinct and add a different look to the wood. I personally like to use dyes on sycamore to really show off the rays.

   other than the rays it handles much like soft maple.

   just my two cents.

   good luck.

   C.A.G.
1. 
   aguita | Oct 29, 2004 03:41pm | #2

   Sorry Curtis, but Sycamore is not a type of Maple.  Sycamore is of the genus Platanus, where as maple is of the genus Acer.  Completely different flower/seed  production set up.  That being said, the wood is similar in many ways.

1. 
   BenM | Oct 30, 2004 12:01am | #3

   Let me muddy the waters.  There is the London Plane which is Platanus acerifolia and there is the British Sycamore which is Acer pseudoplatanus.

   Edited 10/29/2004 5:03 pm ET by BenM

1. 
   Curtis | Oct 30, 2004 03:58am | #5

   Hi BenM

   Two different woods with the same name. Why not! Almost everything has more than one name. And Im not above being confused on this subject.

   Thanks for your help on clearing the water.

   C.A.G.

2. 
   Curtis | Oct 30, 2004 03:37am | #4

   "WELL"  OK? but I have two books that state that Sycamore is a maple from the aceraccac family ( Its all Greek to me?) Anyhow, Ive worked with the wood and it handles like maple. I eather seal it with shalak and then stain or use a dye on the wood so it dosnt bloch.

   I do like the grain.

   Thanks for the correction, My books are old, and or I just mis-read my info. Any how I do like the wood.C.A.G.

1. 
   Pondfish | Oct 30, 2004 10:00pm | #6

   English sycamore is a maple; it is uncommon in the US and costly because of its fine figure.  It is often used for guitar backs and other instruments, and it works beautifully.

   American sycamore is not a maple, and it works differently than maple (at least it does in my hands).  Quartersawn sycamore is quite nice looking and attractive.

   Any clear finish top coat will do well on sycamore.

   cheers

   Paul