Trade Names
Sycamore Plane, English Plane, American Sycamore, Plane, Harewood
Latin Names
Platanus acerifolia
Similar to
American Sycamore
Origin
Europe
Range
Europe with the exception of Northern and Northeastern Europe almost exclusively occuring as trees alongside roads and in gardens and parks. No commercial forestry growing and cultivation.
Uses
Apart from the cluster and burl produced as veneer in two ways: as flat sliced veneers and “snakeskin” veneers, true quarter-sliced. Architectural wood for furniture and paneling.
Properties
Heartwood is reddish-grey to brown. Plane takes on a wine-red color when steamed. Color variations within one log are possible and cannot be avoided. The snakeskin effect achieved by true quarter slicing is the result of extremely regular pith rays making the veneer very decorative.
Machining
Plane works well and easily with all tools. Planed surfaces have an attractive lustrous finish.
Seasoning
Plane wood dries extremely quickly without any great risk of splitting but is prone to warping. Drying too quickly can lead to inner collapse which is why slower drying is to be recommended.
Finishing
Plane can be easily treated with good results and no problems. The best effect is achieved by polishing because of its texture.
Jointing
It is easy to produce joints with glue, screws and nails, all of which hold well.