would you build your workbench base out of curly maple?

Not really common but I do find it in piles of Maple at my local hardwood supplier. Usually right after a new shipment (not picked through already)

-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net

Sure would be pretty.

-- Betsy - GO BUCKS!

I guess my answer is a question – “why wouldn’t you use it?” If you have a project ready to be started and that is the wood you have available, go for it!

-- last night I played a blank tape at full volume - the mime next door went nuts!

You could always ship it to me and I will put it to good use. Curly Maple is one of my favorites. It certainly would make a beautiful bench.

-- Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember it didn't work for the rabbit.

If you paid plane maple prices and got curly, you should display your find each and every day on the bench. It would remind you forever the role serendipity plays in woodworking or any other form of artistic expresion.

-- Jim

Martin,

I read your story and I felt terrible on how you got cheated on your maple. I was so moved by the story I felt like I needed to help. Send me all that curly maple and I will send you back plain maple so your bench project can be started. Darn wood suppliers. I know, you are thinking what a great offer huh? : )

Build your bench out of curly maple. It will look amazing as long as you dye the maple to make it “pop”. Who knows, maybe the Lord just wanted you to have a curly maple bench?

Jeff

-- Jeff, Indiana

Hi Martin-

Curly maple would make a lovely workbench base. However, it is most likely soft curl from red maple (acer rudrum). If it is nice curl I would save it for another project and buy hard maple for the bench base. I built a 7’ bench out of birdseye and I reallly like it. Birdseye is an anomoly found in hard maple (acer saccharum) and is more resistant to denting and fracture than soft maple.

You may have hard curl altough hard curl is not nearly as common as soft curl. Whatever you use for your new workbench; I am sure it will last for generations to come.

Regards,

-- Denny, Upper Michigan

I think it is hard maple, but How can I tell? any distinct differences

-- Martin, Gatineau, Québec

What ever wood you decide to build it out of post pictures of it . Curly Maple sure would look pretty.

Go ahead, but whatever you do, don’t paint it!

-- Brian, Lebanon PA, If you aren’t having fun doing it, find something else to do.