Source of highly figured maple.

[paulrbarnard]

I’m looking for a source of highly figured, flame or birds eye, maple. Making a box for my wife for Christmas and I’m looking for a stunning piece fit the lid. It’s only a desk tidy size so looking for something like 300mm x 200mm x 25mm but expect to by a whole board so I can restock my pretty bits. I’ve got plenty of maple but nothing stand out left.
Anyone recommend a supplier? Most searches throw up guitar supplies but the all tend to be a bit narrower than I need and I’d prefer not to join it, though a book match might look nice.

 

[Hornbeam]

If its for a box lid have you considered a veneered ply or mdf panel glues in all round. Lots more options on veneer suppliers

 

[paulrbarnard]

If its for a box lid have you considered a veneered ply or mdf panel glues in all round. Lots more options on veneer suppliers

That will be the fallback if I can't find a source.

 

[Ttrees]

Sorry I can't help, but suggest you might have better luck looking for rippled sycamore?

Tom

 

[baldkev]

How about contacting the luthier suppliers and asking if larger bits of birdseye are available? Failing that, there are magazines that advertise timber suppliers for exotic pieces ( used for guitars, pool cues and all sorts )

 

[paulrbarnard]

How about contacting the luthier suppliers and asking if larger bits of birdseye are available? Failing that, there are magazines that advertise timber suppliers for exotic pieces ( used for guitars, pool cues and all sorts )

I came to that conclusion earlier and sent them an email. I’ve not heard back yet. Failing that they do have a very good looking flame sycamore in stock.

 

[Linus]

Depends on what price you wish to pay. Try these guys.
https://www.woodwiseuk.co.uk/page/4/?s=maple&post_type=product

 

[johnnyb]

I've got some you can buy. it's a bit punky but is really figured. I can search it out tomorrow.

 

[johnnyb]

probably from the same source( a local sawmill)

 

[paulrbarnard]

I've got some you can buy. it's a bit punky but is really figured. I can search it out tomorrow.

I would certainly be interested.

 

[johnnyb]

I'll sort it tomorrow

 

[Alli]

If Johnyb doesn't pan out have you looked at Surrey timbers? They have some of their stock online but lots that aren't, it might be worth a call. If you ever happen to be passing its well worth a visit they have some really amazing boards.

 

[paulrbarnard]

If Johnyb doesn't pan out have you looked at Surrey timbers? They have some of their stock online but lots that aren't, it might be worth a call. If you ever happen to be passing its well worth a visit they have some really amazing boards.

I’ll take a look as backup. Unfortunately searching on the internet doesn’t throw up a lot of results. Pointers like this are great. Thank you.

 

[Ollie78]

Tyler hardwoods normally have some.

Ollie

 

[johnnyb]

here's my stuff

 

[johnnyb]

it's 7/8ths thick

 

[Blackswanwood]

If johnnyb’s stuff isn’t what you are after it may be worth a phone call to MacTimbers.

 

[paulrbarnard]

If johnnyb’s stuff isn’t what you are after it may be worth a phone call to MacTimbers.

I think I can get a good feature lid out of Johnnyb’s. Plenty of interest in the grain which my wife will love, so I’m going to give that a try first.

Thanks for the additional suggestion

 

[M_Chavez]

Are you sure you want to work with birdseye?.. I second the veneer solution for a box lid.
Tough material. I've had a couple boards that I worked recently to prep 4 mandolin bodies and I won't miss it when I've used up all the blanks.
Flame maple is a bit better, but still can be tough to work.
Luthier suppliers will most certainly sort you out, but the price might be steep. (David **** had both flame & birdseye I think)

 

[paulrbarnard]

Are you sure you want to work with birdseye?.. I second the veneer solution for a box lid.
Tough material. I've had a couple boards that I worked recently to prep 4 mandolin bodies and I won't miss it when I've used up all the blanks.
Flame maple is a bit better, but still can be tough to work.
Luthier suppliers will most certainly sort you out, but the price might be steep. (David **** had both flame & birdseye I think)

It’s for an eye catching accent on the box. I’ve dealt with Birdseye before and have managed to plane it to a mirror surface. I have a number of planes and scrapers I’ve made myself which work surprisingly well with difficult grain. I didn’t have to resort to sand paper on my previously pieces. Johnny indicated these might be a bit punky but I can work with that. I’ve gone for all four pieces and only need one lid so I have contingency.
I’m looking forward to the challenge