Hard Maple
Acer saccharum
A hard, dense, clean-looking hardwood that wears well. Excellent for high-wear parts, but it can burn, blotch, and move if you rush it.
A hard, dense, clean-looking hardwood that wears well. Excellent for high-wear parts, but it can burn, blotch, and move if you rush it.
Overview
Hard maple is common in workbenches, shop fixtures, and high-wear furniture parts.
Best for: bench tops, drawer runners, tabletops, and light-coloured furniture.
Watch-outs: it’s hard on cutters, can burn on routers and saw blades, and can blotch if stained.
Use sharp tools and light passes. Let it acclimate and allow for movement in wide panels.
Workability
Hard on cutters.
Prone to burn on routers and saws. Pre-drill for screws.
Drying
Can move if stressed.
Acclimate longer, then final-size after a rest period.
Toxicity
Typical hardwood dust precautions.
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