Trade Names
Plane Cluster, Harewood Cluster
Latin Names
Platanus acerifolia
Similar to
Steamed Maple Cluster, Madrone Burl
Origin
Europe
Range
Europe with the exception of Northern and Northeastern Europe, almost only as trees along avenues and in gardens and parks. No forestry growing and cultivation.
Uses
Architectural woodwork, high quality furniture.
Properties
Plane Cluster is outstanding for its distinctly defined burl zones which are regularly distributed over the veneer surface to produce an interesting pattern. The color can fluctuate within the log from reddish-brown to yellowish.
Machining
Generally machining and drying are slightly more difficult than with normal Plane due to the changing texture of the wood.
Seasoning
Plane wood dries extremely quickly without any great risk of checking but with a tendency to warp. Drying too quickly can lead to internal collapse so that slower drying is to be recommended.
Finishing
The surface treatment of Plane presents no difficulties and can be easily carried out with good results. Polished surfaces produce the best effects due to the texture.
Jointing
It is easy to produce joints with glue, screws and nails which hold rmly.