General Description: Cream-white with a reddish
tinge. Large trees may have dark brown heart. Usually straight grained but
sometimes curly or wavy. Fine brown lines give an attractive growth ring
figure on plain sawn surfaces. Texture is fine and even. Weight average
about 720 kg/m3 (45 lb/ft3); specific gravity 0.72.
Mechanical Properties: High in all strength properties except
stiffness which is medium. It has a very good steam bending
classification.
Working Properties: A difficult wood to work with a moderate
blunting of cutting edges. A reduced cutting angle is required with wavy
or curly grained material. Pre-bore for nailing or screwing; takes glue
and polish satisfactorily. The increasing demand for American Cherry with
the inevitable increase in prices has caused manufactures to consider
stained Hard Maple as a substitute as the grain of both species is very
similar. Unfortunately Hard Maple does not take stain evenly and great
care should be taken when finishing in order to obtain the colour
required.
Durability: The heartwood is non-durable and the sapwood is liable
to attack by furniture beetle. Growth defects caused by insects (pith
flecks) are sometimes found. The heartwood is resistant to preservative
treatment but the sapwood is permeable.
Uses: Has a high resistance to abrasion and wear and is used for all
heavy-duty flooring. Also used for furniture and panelling, textile
machinery rollers, shoe lasts, parts of piano actions, musical
instruments, sports goods, butchers blocks, dairy and laundry equipment
and plywood. It is excellent for turnery. |