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EUROPEAN ALDER
V. Ryan © 2008
 
A hardwood which is ideal for a stained finish.

Alnus glutinosa/incana
Family: Betulacae

Commercial names: Common Alder, Black Alder (UK), Grey Alder (Europe), Japanese Alder.
 
 
 

Distribution: From North Russia to North Africa and West Asia, throughout Scandinavia and Japan, and throughout the United Kingdom.

General Description: Dull, light reddish-brown with darker lines or streaks formed by broad rays. Straight grained, with fine texture.

Mechanical Properties: Moderate bending properties with low bending strength and resistance to shock loads; very low stiffness but with medium crushing strength.

Working Properties: It has a low cutting resistance and is easy to work if cutting edges are kept thin and sharp, as there is a slight blunting effect on tools. The wood nails and screws satisfactorily, glues well, stains and polishes to a good finish.

Durability: Alder is liable to attack by common furniture beetle; it is perishable, but permeable to preservative treatment.

Uses: A good turnery wood and used for broom and brush backs, rollers for textiles, toys, wooden clog soles, small laminated items, utility plywood for veneers. Gnarled pieces are used in Japan for decorative purposes.
 
 
 
 
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