Trade Names
Sycamore Crotch, English Sycamore Crotch
Latin Names
Acer pseudoplatanus
Similar to
Beech Curl, Beech Crotch
Origin
Europe
Range
Branch crotches of Sycamore logs, extraordinarily rare in pieces suitable for veneer, very often the crotch is open.
Uses
Architectural woodwork. Since this wood is only available in small (max. 1,20 meter) lengths and very rare, only usable for single projects. No mass-produced furniture possible.
Properties
The wood is almost white. The veneer has to be dried quickly after slicing, otherwise it yellows when exposed to light and air.
Machining
The various directions of growth must be observed when machining.
Seasoning
Great attention should be paid to the figuring when drying. Only extremely careful drying can obviate tension checking, caused by the different directions in shrinkage.
Finishing
Sycamore Crotch is excellently suited for polishing and staining. To prevent premature yellowing, UV-resistant varnishes are recomended.
Jointing
Wood joints are easy to produce with glue, screws and nails and hold well. Pre-drilling is to be recommended when using screws.