Weathered sycamore

[marcus]

Hello,

I bought a few boards of sycamore yesterday, which I sawed into veneer today. Only when I had finished did I notice that the wood is much darker than normal sycamore — quite a dark pinky brown.

Having done some research I've found out that this is known as 'weathered sycamore', which I have never come across; apparently it is achieved by slow drying or steaming.

Trouble is that, though it's lovely timber, it's completely useless for what I needed it for, and I've spent half a day sawing it and worn out a tct bandsaw blade which now needs to be re-sharpened while I wait before sawing some replacement timber and getting on with the job. So all in all quite an expensive experience.

I've tried bleaching, but it goes too yellow. I'm wondering if it is worth taking it back and complaining. Should I have been told that it is 'weathered', or does this come under 'buyer beware'. I haven't used sycamore a great deal in the past, but all that I have bought has been the normal creamy white colour. Do I have a leg to stand on or should I just have been more careful?

Thanks,

Marcus.

 

[andersonec]

I think you'll find that the majority of Sycamore comes off white, pinkish with a mottled effect, only rarely is it pure white and even more rare is the rippled effect, that is why that type of Sycamore is more often than not veneered,,,, to make it go further.
Weathered Sycamore is sawn boards left outside to 'weather'.

Andy

 

[marcus]

I mean that these boards are quite a dark, reddy brown, nothing like the very light colour they usually are. They are much, much darker.

Apparently (according to t'internet) 'weathered sycamore' is not just stock that has been left outside, but is the trade name for sycamore that has been treated in one way or another to give the effect described above. For example the Capital Crispin website says:

SYCAMORE WEATHERED

CROWN WEATHERED SYCAMORE
Also known as: Steamed Sycamore
Botanical Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
Origin: Europe

Description: When Sycamore logs are cooked, or “steamed” prior to slicing, the colour of the resulting veneer is changed from its usual white. Depending on the length of time spent in the water this colour may vary from a pale golden yellow-brown to shades of pink to pinky brown. This is then known as Weathered Sycamore and, as with white Sycamore, is available plain and figured, in both crown and straight grain. The lighter, more golden version is often referred to as “Champagne” coloured. Weathered Sycamore in all its varieties is extremely elegant, and some very attractive panelling schemes and other interior projects have been accomplished using this veneer.

http://www.capitalcrispin.com/sycamore_weathered.aspx

Seems strange terminology, but several other reputable websites say the same thing. You learn something new every day....

 

[carlb40]

I have seen sellers on ebay selling sycamore, and if it is weathered sycamore they specifically state that in their listing. Whether it be timber or veneer. Maybe your supplier doesn't know about weathered sycamore?

 

[marcros]

did you not notice when you made the first cut? i know it isnt helpful to you, but when I wizzed a board across my planer, the creamy white timber was readily apparent- that is the only limited experience of sycamore that I have. To saw enough boards into veneers to blunt a blade is a lot, and i cant expect that the supplier will do much now, unless you are a large customer. If you had taken a slice of one or two boards, then you may have a case.

sorry if that isnt what you want to hear.

 

[marcus]

did you not notice when you made the first cut?

No, annoyingly! I always find re-sawing wide veneer a bit stressful and I was just focussing on getting a good cut and not cutting my hand off.... You would have thought it would have been obvious, but the full colour difference doesn't become apparent till I wet a piece.

 

[marcros]

on the plus side, although no good for the current project, at least it is nice timber to use for another one.

could it just be air dried stuff, that was naturally a bit dark, and made worse by the air drying process. sees strange if it is quite specialised, with a "strange" treatment process and the supplier didnt segregate it.

 

[marcus]

Maybe your supplier doesn't know about weathered sycamore?

Perhaps, though they're specialist hardwood merchants, and usually know their stuff, so they should really.

could it just be air dried stuff, that was naturally a bit dark, and made worse by the air drying process

Quite possibly that is the case, yes. The odd thing is that one short board, which was on the same stack, is normal.... But the question is can I expect the colour to be within a certain normal range, or is it the case that the colour is so far away from normal expectations for the species that it shouldn't have been sold as that....

 

[marcus]

Well after a bit more experimentation I've found a work around. Bleach twice with A & B bleach, then knock back the yellow with a very faint purple water stain tint. Looks fine. Bit of a pain, but I think probably less of a pain than being held up waiting for the blade and then having to saw a fresh lot.

But still the unanswered question, am I within my rights to go and have a bit of a moan to them?

 

[Chrispy]

I would say definately worth mentioning when you next go there how less than happy you are with your last purchase, try and keep a bit to take with you and show them. at the worst you may get a bit knocked off the next wood bill.

 

[beech1948]

In short....YES go and have a moan.....be a bit miffed and quite strong.

When you do that though what is your desired end result.

A discount
cash back
A future discount on project timber
A tub of glue
etc
etc

be ready to state what you want when you moan.

Al

 

[marcus]

Right, thanks for the replies, I'll go and see them tomorrow....

 

[warble]

Sounds as though your wood has sap staining which is avoided by rapid seasoning or:-

"boards must be stacked vertically during air drying to prevent sap staining. For this reason, sycamore should only be felled when the sap is down - in late autumn and early winter."

 

[devonwoody]

Sounds as though your wood has sap staining which is avoided by rapid seasoning or:-

"boards must be stacked vertically during air drying to prevent sap staining. For this reason, sycamore should only be felled when the sap is down - in late autumn and early winter."

Thanks Warble, and welcome to the forum, sounds if you have knowledge of the timber industry?

 

[deserter]

I just bought some sycamore 2" thick 8" long and it's pure white top to bottom.
As said it was air dryed stood vertical before being kiln dryed to finish it off.


~Nil carborundum illegitemi~